Wildfires in Quito: Firefighters battle flames that devastate agricultural areas.

The Quito Fire Department is facing one of the most serious challenges in its recent history, with three active wildfires in different areas of the capital. The fires, which started on September 4, have consumed hectares of land, affecting not only the environment but also the agricultural production that sustains many families in the region. Mayor Pabel Muñoz has stated that the firefighting team is operating at 98% capacity, with nearly 350 personnel working tirelessly to control the flames. The affected areas include Itulcachi, Nayón, and Chilibulo, where the devastation is evident. In Itulcachi, where it is suspected that the fire may have been deliberately set, the flames have ravaged poultry farms and strawberry fields, leaving behind desolate landscapes covered in ash. Images of the destruction show a heartbreaking contrast between the once-thriving productive fields and the grayish panorama of the present. The rapid spread of the fire has been exacerbated by gusts of wind of up to 60 km/h, further complicating containment efforts. Although the intensity of the fire has decreased in Itulcachi, the danger persists, and authorities continue to monitor the situation with the help of a helicopter from the Ecuadorian Air Force, which has joined the firefighting efforts. In Nayón, the fire has also threatened to destroy homes, but the timely intervention of the community and firefighters prevented greater damage. Although the structure of a nearby house remained intact, the flames caused collateral damage to pipes and internet cables. In this area, the fire has been contained but remains active, and authorities hope that the nighttime weather conditions will aid the firefighters' efforts. The fire in Chilibulo has taken an uncertain turn, moving towards the mountains where access becomes complicated. Although the homes in the area are not in immediate danger, combating the fire is becoming increasingly difficult due to the rugged geography of the terrain. Late in the day, Mayor Muñoz reported that there was no fire in Chilibulo, although surveillance was being maintained to prevent any reactivation. As the fires continue, the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) has issued alerts about high levels of ultraviolet radiation and an increased risk of new wildfires in the region. This situation not only affects people living near the fire hotspots but also compromises air quality in Quito, threatening the health of thousands of residents. The Animal Welfare Unit has been on the front lines, attending to animals affected by smoke and fire. In two days, they have recorded 37 cases, of which 34 are stable. The UBA team is working tirelessly to provide medical care and rescue for endangered animals, reflecting a comprehensive effort in responding to this crisis. In a measure aimed at protecting students and the educational community, the Ministry of Education has activated an Educational Continuity Plan, transitioning 32 educational institutions to non-presential mode. This decision responds to concerns about air quality and particulate matter released by the fires. The situation has prompted authorities to investigate the origins of the fires, with suspicions that some were deliberately set. The Metropolitan Control Agency (AMC) has initiated sanction procedures against individuals who were found burning logs for charcoal production near forest areas, which could have caused another fire in the region. The devastation caused by these wildfires is a somber reminder of the fragility of our natural environment. The efforts of authorities and the community are vital to confronting this crisis and preventing such destructive events from recurring in the future. Collaboration between the Fire Department, the National Police, and the community will be essential to restore peace and safety in the affected areas and to protect what remains of Quito's rich biodiversity.