Wildfire Rages Uncontrolled in Tarija Mountains

A wildfire is raging in the mountainous area of Tarija, Bolivia, spreading uncontrollably due to strong winds. Volunteer firefighters, soldiers from the Armed Forces, and local community members are engaged in a difficult battle to contain the flames, now in their third day. The head of the Tarija Governorate's Risk Management Unit, Jahil Flores, reported that strong gusts of wind caused the forest fire to spread rapidly. A contingent of personnel, including volunteer firefighters, military soldiers, and Bolivian Police officers, has been deployed to the affected area. The fire was initially reported last Thursday morning, and its origin is still under investigation. The extent of the damage, in terms of the area affected, has not yet been determined. Residents of Quirusillas are appealing to the central government for assistance to extinguish the large-scale fire that has consumed pastures and shrubs. This is not the only fire incident in the region; another fire was reported in the Erquiz Ceibal area, prompting volunteer groups to respond. Juan Alberto Salazar, a representative of the "Angels in Fire" Volunteer Firefighters, confirmed the alert was issued around 1 p.m. He stated that a second brigade was dispatched, and a third was being prepared to control the new blaze. On social media, residents of Tarija city have called for strict sanctions against those who start fires, particularly those related to land clearing. Despite annual awareness campaigns by subnational entities, forest fires are a recurring problem in this season.

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The forest fire got out of control due to strong gusts of wind in the area.