The fires have resulted in the loss of 18,332.58 hectares of vegetation cover.
Forest fires have been reported in Loja, Quito, and Guayaquil in recent days, sparking significant concern. The largest of these fires occurred in the Quilanga area of Loja, where more than 4,600 hectares have been affected by a massive blaze.
The severity of the fire prompted Peru to offer planes and helicopters to assist in the firefighting efforts.
In the Quilanga area, pastures and coffee crops have been damaged, and dozens of families have been evacuated to avoid potential risks.
As of 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 31, the National Decentralized System for Comprehensive Risk and Disaster Management reported 21 active forest fires and two that were under control.
The Quilanga fire remained active, with various brigades continuing their efforts to contain it.
According to data from the National Secretariat for Risk Management (Riesgos), between January 1, 2024, and the present date, 1,994 forest fires have been recorded in 19 provinces. The fires have caused the loss of 18,332.58 hectares of vegetation cover.
The provinces with the most significant loss of vegetation cover are Loja, Azuay, Carchi, and Pichincha, with each losing more than 1,000 hectares. They are followed by Guayas, El Oro, Imbabura, Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Tungurahua, which have lost more than 100 hectares each.
According to the Risk Management Secretariat, August has been the most impactful month for forest fires, accounting for 58.54% of the burned vegetation cover and 50.60% of the fire incidents. July follows, with 21.42% of the burned vegetation cover and 24.82% of the fire incidents.
While some forest fires are linked to human activities, climatic conditions also play a role in their spread. For instance, according to the Inamhi meteorological bulletin, high daytime temperatures are expected to continue into September, increasing the likelihood of forest fires.
In the coming days, temperatures and ultraviolet radiation levels are expected to be very high, particularly in the northern and southern Inter-Andean regions, central and southern Litoral, and the Amazon. This, combined with low humidity and moderate to strong wind gusts, further raises the risk of forest fires.
23 Active Forest Fires, Only Two Under Control
On Saturday, August 31st, 21 active forest fires were reported, with another two that were under control, according to the forest fire monitoring map published by the National Secretariat for Risk Management.
These fires are occurring in nine provinces of Ecuador: Pichincha, Cotopaxi, El Oro, Azuay, Carchi, Imbabura, Chimborazo, Guayas, and Loja. The most severe fire is in Quilanga, Loja, where 4,661.06 hectares have been affected. Injuries have been reported, along with damage to native vegetation, pine forests, grasslands, homes, and private property.
In Quito, there are four active forest fires: in San Juan, Miraflores; Cumbayá, LumbisÃ; Pintag, Santa Anita; and Pifo, Itulcachi.
Additionally, in Pichincha province, a fire has been reported in Rumiñahui, Cotogchoa, Curipungo, near the entrance to El Taxo. The extent of the damage in this province has not yet been reported.
Fire suppression efforts are ongoing at all these locations. The only fire currently under control is in the San AgustÃn de Callo sector, Ilitio, near the borders of Cotopaxi National Park, after affecting 60 hectares.
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