Wildfire in Pucán consumes 90 hectares and leaves a mark on biodiversity.

A large-scale forest fire consumed approximately 90 hectares of vegetation in the Pucán area, in the Cuenca canton of Azuay. The incident, which began on the night of Sunday, July 28, raised concerns within the local community, and although it was finally extinguished on Tuesday, July 30, the consequences of the event leave a deep mark on the region's biodiversity. The efforts to extinguish the fire were significant. More than 80 firefighters, along with 30 forest brigadiers, worked tirelessly to control the flames in rugged terrain complicated further by the presence of strong winds. Captain Sixto Heras, head of the Cuenca Fire Department, emphasized the challenges posed by adverse weather conditions, which reignited the fire on different fronts, complicating extinguishing operations. The response to the emergency included the mobilization of firefighters from various cantons such as Azogues, Biblián, and El Tambo, who arrived with a variety of resources, including trucks, fire engines, and ambulances. From the early moments of the fire, a coordination operation was established that allowed for an efficient deployment of rescue and extinguishing brigades. One of the most notable aspects of the containment strategy was the use of drones by the Cuenca Fire Department. These devices not only provided an aerial view of the affected area but also helped determine the most suitable access routes for personnel in complicated situations. Technology, in this case, became a fundamental ally in controlling the fire. Despite the rapid mobilization of resources and personnel, the difficult geography of the affected area further complicated the situation. Local community members played a crucial role in coordinating and accessing critical points of the fire, allowing firefighters to position themselves where they were most needed. In recent days, the situation became more favorable thanks to rainfall that began in the early hours of Tuesday, which helped extinguish the flames that still persisted. The rain, although late, provided relief to both the firefighting teams and the local population, who watched with concern as the fire wreaked devastation. The nature of forest fires not only affects vegetation but can also have a devastating impact on wildlife and the ecosystem as a whole. In this context, it is essential to reflect on the causes that can lead to these events, which in many cases are the result of human activity. Droughts, deforestation, and climate change are factors that must be considered in the planning and execution of environmental protection policies. It is also important to mention that this is not the first time Azuay has faced a fire of this magnitude. In previous years, the province has dealt with forest fires in other areas such as Girón and Santa Isabel, where even more extensive damage was recorded, affecting over 850 hectares of vegetation. The local community and authorities must work hand in hand to prevent forest fires, implementing strategies that include environmental education, monitoring prone areas, and reforesting affected zones. The recovery of these areas is not only vital for biodiversity but is also a crucial step in ensuring the quality of life for future generations. In conclusion, the forest fire in Pucán has left important lessons about the need for disaster preparedness and the importance of a collective approach to protecting our natural resources. The recent experience underscores the urgency of adopting more effective measures to prevent future incidents and minimize their impact on the environment and local communities.