A devastating series of forest fires continues to wreak havoc in southern Ecuador, with Cuenca and Loja bearing the brunt of the destruction.

Over 370 forest fires, exacerbated by an ongoing drought of 128 days, have consumed vast swathes of protected forest, choked urban air with smoke, and disrupted daily life across the region. Local and national authorities are scrambling to contain the crisis, which has raised alarms about both the immediate need for resources and the broader challenge of climate change.

Fires Spread Across Critical Ecosystems

The crisis has hit two of Ecuador’s most cherished natural reserves: Cajas National Park near Cuenca and Podocarpus National Park in Loja.

In Cajas, the fire, which began on November 12th, has already consumed 300 hectares, threatening water sources vital to Cuenca’s population and biodiversity. In Podocarpus, the fires have devastated an estimated 3,660 hectares, including the San Pedro de Vilcabamba sector.

Efforts to combat the flames are hampered by the rugged terrain and limited resources. Firefighters, armed forces, and community members have worked tirelessly to control the spread, assisted by three helicopters equipped with the Bamby Bucket system.

However, officials warn that these measures are insufficient, and the fires remain active.

Human Activity at the Heart of the Crisis

Ecuador’s Secretariat for Risk Management has reported that 99% of the forest fires in Azuay were intentionally set, calling for a crackdown on those responsible.

Investigations are underway to identify and prosecute those involved in these acts of environmental vandalism. Between November 7th and 15th alone, the fires in Azuay consumed nearly 1,000 hectares of vegetation.

Nationwide, over 8,000 hectares have been lost during the same period, adding to the 40,000 hectares affected by fires earlier in the year.

The ongoing drought, described as one of the worst in recent memory, has significantly amplified the fires’ impact, turning vegetation into tinderboxes across the country.

Health and Environmental Consequences

The fires have transformed air quality in Cuenca and Loja into a serious public health hazard. In Cuenca, the municipality issued emergency recommendations, urging residents to avoid outdoor exposure, wear N95 masks, and use air purifiers to mitigate the effects of smoke and ash.

The University of Azuay and Loja’s Private Technical University have reported critical pollution levels, with particulate matter indices far exceeding safe limits. Vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly, are particularly at risk, as respiratory issues surge in affected communities.

Government and Community Responses

Both local and national governments have declared states of emergency to prioritize firefighting efforts. In Cuenca, Mayor Cristian Zamora made an urgent plea for helicopters and specialized tools, citing the inaccessibility of many affected areas.

Donation points have been set up across the city to collect food, water, and equipment for firefighters and displaced families.

The National Emergency Operations Committee (COE), convened in Cuenca, announced a series of measures, including mobilizing additional helicopters and resources from Peru, Italy, and private companies. The committee has also recommended the declaration of a nationwide emergency to facilitate international cooperation and funding.

Meanwhile, the cantonal COE in Cuenca has suspended all public events and kept the city’s airport operational 24/7 to expedite the transport of supplies and personnel.

A Wake-Up Call for Climate Action

The scale and intensity of these fires have reignited discussions about Ecuador’s vulnerability to climate change.

Minister of the Environment Inés Manzano emphasized the need to treat these fires as a climate disaster, urging long-term strategies to prevent future catastrophes.