Wildfire in Cali mobilizes emergency units in response to the crisis.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, August 20, a forest fire raised alarms in the La Virgen sector of Altos de Normandía in Cali. The fire, which started around 5:23 p.m., spread rapidly, affecting a vast area of vegetation that includes shrubs and grasses, prompting several units of the city's Fire Department to mobilize. The situation, which initially seemed manageable, turned critical due to the magnitude of the blaze and adverse wind conditions. According to initial reports, a machine with four units and a forest brigade composed of six firefighters quickly arrived at the scene of the fire. However, the rapid expansion of the flames led authorities to reinforce the operation almost immediately. Within minutes, the fire had reached a considerable extent, necessitating an intensified emergency response with the arrival of more personnel. Cali's mayor, Alejandro Eder, who also heads the city's Risk Management System, took the initiative to set up a Unified Command Post. This space is vital for coordinating all necessary actions and ensuring an efficient response to the emergency. In total, 32 units from the Cali Fire Department, 14 units from the Civil Defense, and 7 from the Risk Management team were deployed, working diligently to control the situation. Corporal Frank Martínez from the Fire Department called on the community to avoid traveling through the affected area. The firefighting efforts, which have occupied emergency teams for over an hour and a half, require clear space for vehicles to maneuver effectively and to avoid putting pedestrians at risk. The warning is clear: civilian safety is a priority. In addition to the flames, firefighters face another significant obstacle: the terrain. The area, besides being dangerous due to the fire, has been identified as potentially containing landmines. This factor increases the risk for anyone who dares to approach the area, making the request to avoid any type of transit in the region even more urgent. Weather conditions, particularly strong winds, have complicated firefighting efforts. Firefighters are working hard to control the advance of the flames, but the harsh weather has hindered their task. Although no casualties or significant material damage have been reported so far, the situation remains critical, and authorities are on high alert. The community has responded with concern regarding this emergency, and citizen collaboration is crucial at this moment. The importance of following the authorities' instructions has been emphasized, not only to facilitate the firefighters' work but also to protect the lives and integrity of those living nearby. As the hours progress, efforts to control the fire continue. Local authorities are tirelessly working to mitigate the risk and restore safety in the area. However, there is still a long way to go before the situation normalizes. The magnitude of this forest fire not only highlights the vulnerability of natural areas in Cali but also underscores the need for greater awareness regarding fire prevention and the importance of risk management. Collaboration between authorities and the community is essential to tackle these emergencies, which can have devastating consequences if not managed properly. For now, the call is for calm, to follow the instructions of emergency services, and to wait for the flames to be brought under control so that the city can return to normalcy.