Underground Fire in Táchira Sparks Concern Among Residents

An underground fire detected on July 15 in the La Lomita hamlet, Sucre municipality, Táchira state, Venezuela, has sparked alarm among residents. Social media reports showed smoke and fire emanating from fissures in the ground, prompting local authorities and prevention teams to inspect the area.

Yesnardo Canal, director of Protección Civil Táchira, urged calm, stating there is no risk of the fire spreading. He explained that specialists are evaluating the subterranean blaze, which is occurring in a coal seam estimated to be over 10 years old. "The combustion occurs naturally when oxygen comes into contact with coal through cracks or ground settlements," Canal explained.

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Specialists are evaluating the underground fire registered in a coal seam in the Sucre municipality. It is a coal mantle over 10 years old in the area, where combustion occurs naturally when oxygen comes into contact with coal through cracks or ground settlements.

Geologists, civil engineers, and civil protection officials are working to determine the depth and extent of the fissure. In the meantime, teams are covering the area with sand and sediment to limit oxygen entry and reduce the fire's temperature. Canal reiterated that the arid sector has sparse vegetation, meaning the fire poses no threat of becoming a wildfire.

Authorities are also maintaining communication with the two households located near the coal seam, providing them with guidance and ongoing monitoring. The situation is under continuous evaluation by regional institutions.

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There are no reasons to generate alarm.