Unauthorized waste burning sparks another forest fire near Quito’s Simón Bolívar Avenue

A waste-burning fire sent smoke over Quito's Guápulo sector and disrupted traffic along the Simón Bolívar Avenue, prompting an immediate response from emergency crews.

The fire broke out beside the avenue, past the Guápulo bridge, where drivers saw flames burning through vegetation on the slope next to the road. Citizens reported a dense column of smoke and recorded videos of the incident.

The Quito Fire Department dispatched specialized vehicles and firefighting teams to contain the flames and stop them from spreading up the mountain. The brigades ultimately brought the fire fully under control. Officials said the blaze resulted from waste being burned at the site.

After extinguishing the flames, rescuers cooled the ground directly to neutralize embers and prevent the fire from starting again. The emergency response, combined with smoke in the area, produced heavy congestion in both northbound and southbound lanes of the avenue through Guápulo. Authorities urged drivers to proceed carefully.

Firefighters reminded residents that lighting fires in areas with vegetation violates municipal regulations. People who cause a forest fire can face fines of up to $36,000. The department urged anyone who sees a fire or smoke column to call 9-1-1 immediately.