The fire crisis in Loja demands an urgent ban on agricultural burning.

In the province of Loja, the growing crisis of forest fires has highlighted the urgency of establishing a general ban on agricultural burning. Despite the devastating effects of these fires, which have ravaged thousands of hectares of forests and land, current regulations delegate the responsibility of implementing this ban to municipal governments, leaving the province in an uncertain and potentially dangerous situation. During an Extraordinary Session of the Provincial Chamber, the complex legal situation that prevents the provincial government from taking direct action against burning was discussed. Prefect Mario Mancino emphasized that, according to Article 264 of the Constitution of the Republic, the management of fire prevention and extinction services is the exclusive responsibility of municipalities. This legal framework has led to a lack of coordinated and effective action in response to the emergency. The situation is further complicated by the fact that, although some cantons, such as Loja, have issued statements reaffirming the ban on burning, the reality is that not all municipalities have taken similar measures. This creates a patchwork of regulations that can facilitate the occurrence of fires in areas where there are no clear restrictions. For Mancino, it is imperative that all mayors act responsibly and adopt ordinances that prohibit agricultural burning, as it is one of the main causes of the fires affecting the province. A key point is the actions of other provinces, such as Azuay, where bans on burning have been implemented at the provincial level. Mancino noted that while he applauds these actions, in Loja the legal framework limits the provincial government's capacity for intervention, highlighting a lack of uniformity in the response to this crisis. Despite the absence of a general ban, the Cantonal Emergency Committee of Loja has made efforts to control the situation. The recent reaffirmation of the ban on burning in the canton of Loja is an important measure aimed at mitigating the risks posed by forest fires. However, this effort could be hindered by a lack of compliance and the absence of consistent regulations in other municipalities. Meanwhile, the situation in Quilanga has begun to stabilize after a forest fire devastated 7,600 hectares and forced the evacuation of several families. Fortunately, the fire has been controlled by 90%, allowing the temporary shelter housing the evacuees to be closed. However, the threat persists, especially with new fire outbreaks, such as the one declared in the Quinara parish, underscoring the instability of the situation. This context highlights the need for greater collaboration between local and provincial governments. Without a unified approach that includes clear bans and effective sanctions, the risk of forest fires continuing to strike the province is very real. It is crucial that local leaders recognize the seriousness of the situation and act decisively. The people of Loja demand immediate answers and solutions. The implementation of ordinances prohibiting agricultural burning is not only a preventive measure but also a shared responsibility that must be embraced by all stakeholders involved in land management. The lack of coordinated action could lead to devastating environmental consequences affecting not only the region's flora and fauna but also the communities that depend on the natural environment for their livelihoods. With climate change exacerbating drought conditions and increasing the vulnerability of ecosystems, the situation in Loja must be seen as a wake-up call. It is essential to establish effective policies, respect the legal framework, and promote awareness of the importance of conserving natural resources. The fight against forest fires is a task that requires a sustained collective commitment from all sectors of society.