Environmental crisis in Santa Cruz: fires ravage more than one million hectares.

The department of Santa Cruz in Bolivia is facing an alarming environmental crisis, with wildfires that have devastated over one million hectares to date. The Vice Ministry of Civil Defense announced last night that a fire near the community of Las Petas, in the municipality of San Matías, has been brought under control. However, the situation remains critical in several regions of the department, where the fight against the flames continues. Julieta Velarde, the director of Natural Resources for the Santa Cruz government, highlighted that the municipalities of San Ignacio, San Rafael, San Matías, and Concepción are the most affected by this emergency. "We are facing large-scale fires, and although San Ignacio de Velasco has not yet been declared a disaster area, its situation is concerning," Velarde stated, emphasizing the possibility that numerous communities could be severely impacted. In a situation report, Augusto Cossio, the head of Regional Civil Defense in Chiquitania, mentioned that an assessment was conducted in the affected area on Wednesday morning. He assured that approximately 45 kilometers from Las Petas, the fire was controlled and had not threatened critical infrastructure, including three bridges in San Matías. However, the situation remains volatile, with 27 active wildfires reported in 10 municipalities. San Matías has been one of the epicenters of the disaster, with over 683 families affected by the fires. The loss of arable land, wildlife, and flora has raised social alarm, as the ecological impact not only jeopardizes the environment but also the food security of thousands of people who depend on these lands. The government of Santa Cruz has been tirelessly working to deliver food to affected areas, prioritizing support for volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel who are at the forefront of the fight against the flames. Community kitchens, a solidarity initiative implemented to provide food to those in need, have become essential during this crisis. However, authorities cannot let their guard down. The arrival of strong winds, forecasted for the coming days, adds a risk factor that could further exacerbate the situation. In this context, prevention and control strategies have been intensified to minimize the damage that these winds could cause in already devastated areas. The commitment of volunteer firefighters and various aid organizations is being put to the test, but their courage and dedication have been fundamental in this adverse scenario. They are recognized as true heroes in the defense of forests and the protection of affected communities. The fire crisis in Santa Cruz is not just a local problem; its effects could be felt nationally and even internationally. The loss of biodiversity and the emission of carbon into the atmosphere are just some of the impacts that transcend the department's borders. The situation demands not only the attention of local authorities but also a coordinated response at the national and international levels to mitigate the disaster and work on long-term solutions. As a society, it is crucial to reflect on our relationship with our natural environment. Deforestation, irresponsible use of fire, and climate change are factors that have contributed to this crisis. The preservation of our natural resources must be a collective priority, and it is necessary to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the land that sustains us. This is a decisive moment for Santa Cruz and for Bolivia. The experience gained in this fight against fire should lead us to rethink our environmental practices and policies. Nature is sending us a clear message: it is urgent to act with responsibility and commitment to ensure a sustainable future for the next generations.