Rionegro wildfire burns for more than 16 hours as crews battle flames by land and air

More than 16 hours after a fierce fire began at the Fundación Botellas de Amor in Rionegro’s La Laja district, firefighters had brought about 70% of the blaze under control.

The fire struck a plant that processes recyclable plastic. The material’s density and flammability have made extinguishing and cooling the site especially difficult. Local authorities and rescue teams continued working to stop the flames from spreading to native forest and nearby homes.

The official health department assessment said no one had died or suffered burn injuries. However, heat and flames left four homes on the foundation’s property completely uninhabitable. About 19 people were affected, including 10 local residents, a child, a person with a disability and workers at the site. The Family Secretariat activated temporary shelter protocols for those displaced.

Animals were also caught in the fire. Rescue teams saved several dogs, cats, birds and chickens, but domestic and wild animals, including rabbits and an opossum, died.

More than 100 firefighters and other responders remained on the fire line. Crews from Rionegro, Marinilla, La Ceja and El Carmen de Viboral worked alongside the military and national police. Colombia’s Aerospace Force provided thermal monitoring with drones and water drops from a helicopter equipped with a Bambi Bucket. José María Córdova International Airport sent chemical retardant foam to help suppress burning polymers, while public and private companies supplied water tankers. Authorities barred civilians from entering La Laja to keep rescue vehicles moving.