Wildfires in Neiva: 40 hectares devastated in two weeks of crisis.

The situation of wildfires in Neiva has become a concerning issue for the community, as there has been an alarming increase in these conflagrations in recent weeks. With a toll of 40 hectares affected in just two weeks, the total land devastated so far this year amounts to more than 100 hectares. The commander of the Neiva Official Fire Department, Sergeant William Andrés Bernal, has stated that 99% of these fires are caused by human actions, raising serious questions about the culture of environmental care in the region. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and irresponsible practices has led Neiva to face one of its most critical wildfire seasons. On a single day, firefighters have had to respond to up to six emergencies, reflecting the severity of the situation. Bernal has indicated that, in the context of intense winds and elevated temperatures, up to 90 hectares have been impacted in various parts of the city. The most affected areas include the northern part of Neiva, particularly in the Alberto Galindo neighborhood and the route to the Fortalecillas district, as well as the south, where localities such as Surabastos and El Caguán are suffering the consequences. In the past two weeks, the 25 wildfires have resulted in a significant loss of vegetation. One of the biggest challenges faced by firefighters is the impact of the winds, which facilitate the spread of fire. The difficulty in controlling the advance of the flames is exacerbated by the repeated emergencies in critical points, such as dumps and debris sites, where fires have required the intervention of firefighters more than once a day. These locations are also situated in residential areas, increasing the risk to the community. The situation is worsened by the proliferation of dumps, such as the one located at the Benito Salas airport head. The flames generated have caused flight cancellations and diversions, reflecting the impact on the city's transportation infrastructure. This not only affects travelers but also represents a visibility and safety crisis for air navigation. One of the major concerns, according to Sergeant Bernal, is that a large portion of these fires are caused by negligence or intentional actions. The rapid spread of the fire is favored by the dryness of grasses and stubble, making Neiva fertile ground for the emergence of new fire hotspots. In light of this situation, the fire chief has called on citizens to adopt preventive measures. He recommended checking that electronic devices are turned off and unplugged when leaving home to avoid overloads that could spark fires. Additionally, he urged neighbors not to litter in the streets, especially glass, and to handle cigarette butts responsibly. Yesterday, the Neiva fire department responded to several fires, notably a case at a dump in the Álvaro Uribe Vélez neighborhood and near the skating rink. In these events, drones have become useful tools to quantify the affected hectares and coordinate the actions of emergency teams. Recent incidents in areas like La Mata village and the Ipanema neighborhood underscore the urgent need to raise awareness among the population about the care and preservation of the environment. Collaboration between firefighters, environmentalists, and the community is crucial to reversing this trend and protecting the vegetation that sustains the local ecosystem. In conclusion, wildfires in Neiva represent a serious problem that not only affects the natural landscape but also puts the safety of citizens at risk. Shared responsibility and environmental education are fundamental to facing this challenge and ensuring a safer and healthier environment for all.