Red alert for fire risk in the Sierra and Jungle of Peru: adverse weather conditions concern authorities and population. Urgent preventive measures.

The Highlands and the Jungle of our country are on red alert due to the possibility of forest fires multiplying, warned the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service of Peru (Senamhi). The atmospheric conditions expected for this week are conducive to the occurrence and spread of fires of moderate to extreme intensity in the Highlands, and moderate to strong intensity in the Jungle. This situation has raised concerns among authorities and the general population. The alert issued by Senamhi, at the red level, indicates that there will be a lack of precipitation in these regions, as well as a decrease in humidity and an increase in daytime temperatures, factors that favor the spread of forest fires. This alert will be in effect from 00:00 on Monday, July 22nd until 23:59 on Saturday, July 27th, encompassing a total of 143 hours of potential risk. According to Senamhi's report, an increase in wind speed is expected in the northern highlands during Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd of July, with gusts that could reach 35 km/h. Additionally, the possibility of rain and localized showers in some areas is forecasted. Provinces like Ayabaca, Huancabamba, and Morropón in Piura, as well as Ferreñafe and Lambayeque in Lambayeque, and Chota, Cutervo, Jaén, San Ignacio, and Santa Cruz in Cajamarca will be particularly affected by these winds. In response to this situation, the authorities of the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci) and entities like the National Emergency Operations Center (COEN) have been put on alert. Regional Emergency Operations Centers (COER), municipalities, firefighters, National Police, and other institutions are also in a state of readiness to address potential emergencies arising from forest fires. The National Forest and Wildlife Service (Serfor) has revealed that, despite low numbers of forest fires in the early months of the year, the situation tends to worsen in July due to the practice of burning grass by farmers to prepare the land. It is in this context that current meteorological conditions increase the risk of fires in various areas of the country. Serfor has the SAMI platform (Satellite, Monitoring, Impact of forest heritage) to monitor and detect potential forest fires, issuing alerts to the relevant authorities in order to prevent negative impacts. Through satellite images, Serfor continuously monitors the national territory in search of heat sources that may indicate the presence of a developing fire. It is important to remember that causing a forest fire without the proper authorization can lead to severe penalties, as established in the Penal Code. Article 310 of said code provides for penalties of 4 to 12 years in prison for those who destroy, burn, damage, or cut down forests without the appropriate permission. In more serious cases, such as loss of human lives, penalties can increase up to 12 years of imprisonment. Given the imminent threat of forest fires in the Highlands and the Jungle, it is essential that the population and authorities remain vigilant and take the necessary preventive measures to avoid tragedies and protect our natural heritage. The collaboration of everyone is crucial to address this risk situation and preserve our natural resources for future generations.