Fires in Santa Cruz: 37 active hotspots and devastation in Urubichá.

The wildfires ravaging the Santa Cruz department have reached an alarming magnitude, with the latest report revealing that there are currently 37 active hotspots in the region. A recent aerial survey conducted by the press team of EL DEBER has allowed for observation of the devastating situation in Urubichá, one of the most affected areas, where land invasions and burning points threaten the local flora and fauna. Despite a decrease in the number of hotspots, the severity of the situation cannot be underestimated. In just a few hours, 37 fires have been reported, a significant increase that puts authorities and the public on alert. The Chiquitania region remains the most affected, where the fight against the fire becomes increasingly complicated. Municipalities such as Concepción, San Ignacio, and of course, Urubichá, have been identified as the most vulnerable to this ecological disaster. In Urubichá, the fire has threatened several neighborhoods, including San Juan, Santa Isabel, and La Misión, where volunteer firefighters and the National Police have been working tirelessly to control the flames. However, images captured from the air present a bleak picture; camps of land invaders can be seen starting to burn vegetation to establish settlements, further worsening the situation. These invaders have entered wooded and wildlife areas that are unsuitable for agriculture, affecting approximately 51,000 hectares. According to estimates, it is presumed that at least half of this land area is compromised by the fires. This phenomenon not only destroys the ecosystem but also jeopardizes the biodiversity of the area, creating a domino effect that could have long-term repercussions. The impact of the fires is not limited to the environment. To date, nearly two million hectares have been reported as affected by the flames. The situation is particularly severe in the municipality of San Matías, where the fire has devastated extensive areas, leaving a trail of destruction and desolation in its wake. The government has indicated that there are 711 displaced persons in the countryside, totaling 8,621 evacuees so far this year. In this context, the Ministry of Defense has warned that the months of September and October will be critical for managing the wildfires. Minister Edmundo Novillo has made it clear that efforts are being intensified to combat this phenomenon, including an increase in monetary fines for those caught conducting illegal burns. The challenge facing Santa Cruz is monumental. Climatic conditions, along with irresponsible human activity, have created a favorable scenario for the expansion of fires. Authorities are under public scrutiny, demanding quick responses and effective solutions to mitigate this crisis. Meanwhile, rescue groups and firefighters continue their work, although their resources are limited and the situation becomes more complex each day. The community, for its part, is coming together in efforts of support and solidarity towards those affected, creating a network of assistance aimed at alleviating the suffering of those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. The situation in Santa Cruz is a wake-up call not only for local authorities but also for society as a whole. The defense of our forests and the preservation of our environment must be priorities on the public agenda. The fight against wildfires is a battle that requires collective effort, and it is everyone's duty to act before it is too late.