Urgent call from Huasahuasi in response to fire threat in Pampa Hermosa.

Inhabitants of the Huasahuasi district in the province of Tarma have issued an urgent call to authorities due to the imminent threat of a forest fire that is alarmingly advancing towards the National Sanctuary of Pampa Hermosa, one of the most important protected areas in the Junín region. The situation has become critical, as the fire not only endangers the flora and fauna of the sanctuary but also the lives of those living nearby. Luis Morales, a mountain guide and spokesperson for the community, has been one of the main actors in seeking help. In a communication with RPP's Rotafono, he expressed with anguish that the fire has been active for more than four days and that, despite the efforts of community members and forest rangers, the flames continue to spread. “This morning it flared up again, and the fear is that it will reach the reserve and destroy the wildlife. The fire is advancing in the buffer zone of the sanctuary, on the border of San Ramón and Huasahuasi,” Morales stated. Local residents have made considerable efforts to control the flames. However, the lack of resources and proper tools has limited their ability to combat the fire effectively. Many are aware of the ecological importance of the National Sanctuary of Pampa Hermosa, which hosts vast biodiversity and serves as a refuge for numerous endangered species. The destruction of this ecosystem would have devastating consequences not only for local wildlife and flora but also for the communities that depend on these resources. The call for help has resonated on social media and in the press, generating concern among the region's inhabitants and beyond. The response from authorities so far has been insufficient, increasing anxiety among residents who feel that time is running out. "We need water to combat the fire," Morales insisted, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The lack of access to water resources has been one of the main obstacles in controlling the fire. The National Sanctuary of Pampa Hermosa is not only a natural treasure but also a cultural heritage that supports the traditions and ways of life of the surrounding communities. The disappearance of this space would mean an irreparable loss in terms of biodiversity and a significant blow to the identity of the inhabitants of Huasahuasi and San Ramón. The pressure from the fire has also led many to consider a greater risk: the forced displacement of communities if the fire is not controlled in time. Various environmental organizations have begun to express their support for the cause, urging authorities to act swiftly. “The defense of the environment cannot wait. It is crucial to mobilize resources and specialized personnel to address this crisis before it is too late,” they stated in a press release. Collaboration between the government, non-governmental organizations, and the community is essential in these critical moments. The dry climate and high temperatures are factors that exacerbate the situation, creating a perfect breeding ground for the spread of fire. According to disaster management experts, it is essential to establish an action plan that includes not only extinguishing the fire but also restoring the affected ecosystem. Meanwhile, residents are organizing to combat the fire with the few resources they have available. Community brigades have been formed, working tirelessly to contain the flames using buckets of water and rudimentary tools. However, the magnitude of the fire exceeds their capacities, and their determination is threatened by the lack of institutional support. Local authorities must recognize the seriousness of the situation and act immediately. The preservation of the National Sanctuary of Pampa Hermosa is a shared responsibility that must be prioritized. It is not just about protecting a natural space but also about safeguarding the future of a community and its environment. Hope lies in the fact that, with the proper mobilization, a disaster that could mark a tragic milestone in the history of Junín and its inhabitants can be avoided.