Wildfires in Bolivia threaten communities and essential water resources.

In a critical moment for the environment and the safety of communities, Bolivia is facing a wave of forest fires that has put various regions of the country on high alert. At least 35 fire hotspots have been extinguished in the department of Santa Cruz, one of the areas most affected by this emergency, as confirmed by Defense Minister Edmundo Novillo. The effort to control these blazes involves a contingent of 271 forest firefighters, who are working hard in four municipalities: three in Santa Cruz and one in Beni. The fires, which have been burning just 45 kilometers from urban areas, have started to affect not only vegetation but also pastures and livestock fields, posing a direct threat to the agro-industrial economy of the region. In response to this situation, authorities have decided to increase aerial support by adding two aircraft to the five already available, which operate using the "bambi bucket" system to drop water on the flames. This system has become a crucial tool in the fight against the fires, given the difficult access to many of the affected areas. The impact of these fires is not only measured in hectares of lost forest but also in the direct consequences for local communities. The mayor of San Ignacio de Velasco, Carlos Ruddy Dorado, has expressed his concern about the lack of drinking water, a situation that worsens with the advance of the fire. "We are struggling with drinking water due to the lack of a water treatment plant," he commented, emphasizing that they have had to drill wells to ensure water supply for the population and distribute it through tankers to schools. The situation is critical in San Ignacio de Velasco, where approximately 90,000 people reside. The lack of drinking water affects the population, and the water ponds intended for cattle are also running dry, which poses an additional risk to food security in the area. The combination of forest fires and the water crisis highlights the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters that seem to be increasing due to climate change. The Bolivian government has declared a state of emergency in response to the magnitude of the fires and has mobilized significant resources to try to control the situation. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends not only on the coordination of response teams but also on the capacity to address the basic needs of affected communities, such as access to drinking water. Forest fires are not a new phenomenon in Bolivia, but the frequency and severity of these episodes appear to be increasing in recent years. Environmental activists have raised their voices about the need for more effective management of land and natural resources, as well as the urgency of implementing policies that address the underlying causes contributing to these disasters. For many, the current situation represents a call to action, both locally and internationally. Collaboration between the government, civil society, and non-governmental organizations is essential to mitigate the effects of these fires and to build resilience systems that protect communities and their environment. It is crucial that preventive measures are taken and not just reactive ones. Investment in adequate infrastructure, such as water treatment plants and fire monitoring systems, is fundamental to prevent future crises. Additionally, education and awareness about sustainable forest management practices should be a priority on the public agenda. The battle against forest fires in Bolivia reflects a global issue that demands attention. The interconnection between environmental health and the quality of life of communities is more evident than ever, and the time to act is now. Nature and humanity face joint challenges that require a unified and effective response.