Wildfire consumes over 10 hectares of wetlands in Peru's Áncash region

A significant wildfire has ravaged over 10 hectares of the Villa María wetlands in Nuevo Chimbote, within the Áncash region of Peru. The blaze spread rapidly through dense vegetation, prompting an urgent deployment of firefighters and personnel from various agencies to prevent it from reaching a nearby gas distribution facility.

The fire originated near the Tres de Octubre settlement and advanced through dry reeds, grasslands, and shrubs. Authorities have not reported any fatalities or injuries. The primary objective for the emergency teams, supported by water tankers and heavy machinery, was to safeguard the gas plant located close to the affected area.

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The main objective was to prevent the fire from reaching the facilities of a gas distribution company located near the affected area.

Controlling the fire proved challenging due to the difficult terrain. Luis Ventura Vásquez, deputy manager of Disaster Risk Management and Civil Defense, explained that the wetland environment, marshy areas, abundant vegetation, and limited vehicle access complicated the efforts of the emergency teams.

According to the Regional Emergency Operations Center (COER) of Áncash, this is one of the most extensive wildfires recorded on the region's coast this season. So far this year, Áncash has experienced over 30 wildfires, which have collectively destroyed about 340 hectares of natural cover. Efforts to contain the current emergency are ongoing, with authorities working to prevent further spread into other parts of the Villa María wetlands.

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The presence of wetlands, marshy areas, abundant vegetation, and limited accessibility for vehicles complicated the entry of personnel and the work to extinguish the flames.