Quito to severely punish forest fire culprits, mayor warns

Quito's municipal authorities have issued a stern warning against causing forest fires, vowing to impose severe sanctions, including fines up to $36,000, on offenders. This declaration follows a significant wildfire that ignited on August 10 in the Calacalí parish, north of the capital.

The blaze has since spread to the Catzuquí de Velasco area, consuming an estimated 100 hectares of natural heritage. The municipal mayor, Pabel Muñoz, described the environmental damage as a tragedy for the Metropolitan District.

In response to the escalating emergency, a Unified Command Post has been established, mobilizing approximately 70 firefighters across 11 brigades, supported by 19 specialized vehicles. These teams are working diligently in challenging terrain to contain the flames, particularly in the higher elevations of the mountain.

Strong winds in the region are hampering containment efforts, although the fire has not yet advanced into residential zones. Authorities are urging nearby residents to wear masks due to smoke and to remain vigilant regarding wind changes. The focus remains on reducing the fire's intensity and achieving full containment in the coming hours.