Suspect captured for Sacsayhuamán fire; blaze consumed three hectares of crops in Cusco

Peruvian authorities have apprehended a man suspected of starting a wildfire that scorched roughly three hectares of grasslands and shrubs near the Sacsayhuamán archaeological park in Cusco. The blaze, which occurred in the Kespewara sector, prompted a swift response from firefighters, municipal security, civil defense, and the national police.

Emergency teams worked diligently to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the significant historical complex. The fire was initially reported by concerned residents and passersby who observed a column of smoke rising near the site. Preliminary reports suggest the detained individual may have mental health issues, which are now part of the ongoing investigation.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges with wildfires in the Cusco region during the dry season. The commander of the Cusco Fire Department noted that 17 forest fires have already been attended to this year, many attributed to human actions like burning or negligence. Peruvian law mandates prison sentences of three to 10 years for those found responsible for starting fires.

In a separate but related incident, another wildfire in the Torreblanca sector of Calca province resulted in the season's first fatality. Flavio Livano Tito, 72, died after a fire destroyed about three hectares of coffee and cacao crops. This underscores the dangerous conditions and the critical need for public vigilance during dry periods.