Wildfires in Santa Cruz reach critical levels and threaten public health.

Wildfires in Santa Cruz have reached alarming levels, with a total of 46 active fires reported in the latest report from the Early Fire Alert System (Satif). This critical situation not only puts the region's biodiversity and ecosystems at risk but also poses serious threats to public health and the local economy. Concepción stands out as the most affected municipality, with 10 active fires that have challenged control efforts. Ascensión de Guarayos and Urubichá are also significantly impacted, each reporting 7 fires, while San Ignacio reports 5. The distribution of these fires suggests that the threat is concentrated in specific areas, which could allow for a more efficient mobilization of firefighting resources. The magnitude of this crisis has led authorities to deploy a significant response contingent. A total of 405 firefighters have been mobilized to address the situation. Dionisio Castro, the Emergency Risk Management Coordinator, emphasized that this mobilization is crucial to contain the spread of the fire and protect the affected areas. However, the available human resources may not be sufficient given the rapid spread of the fires. Efforts to contain the fires have included the use of transport vehicles, with the Santa Cruz government providing two buses to transport military personnel to the most critical areas, such as San Javier and Concepción. This measure reflects the seriousness of the local authorities' commitment to addressing the crisis, while also highlighting the need for coordination among different levels of government and organizations involved in emergency management. Concern is not limited to environmental impact; there are also significant economic consequences. Agriculture and livestock, the pillars of the economy in Santa Cruz, are threatened by the loss of arable land and air pollution. The fires not only destroy crops but also affect the quality of life of communities that depend on these resources for their livelihoods. In addition to economic damage, the health of the region's inhabitants is at risk. Smoke and fine particulate emissions from the fires can cause respiratory problems and other illnesses. It is vital for health authorities to issue recommendations and alerts to protect the most vulnerable populations, especially children and the elderly. The situation also raises questions about land management and fire prevention policies. The proliferation of fires in Santa Cruz suggests that more effective measures are needed to mitigate risk, including awareness campaigns about fire use and the implementation of strict regulations on controlled burns. Local communities have begun to organize themselves to confront this crisis. However, greater collaboration between the population, authorities, and non-governmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable strategies that protect both people and their natural environment. As the fire season progresses, the citizens of Santa Cruz must remain alert and active in the fight against this devastating phenomenon. Community participation is key to improving response capacity and mitigating the long-term impacts of wildfires. Hope lies in the unification of efforts that will restore and protect the rich natural heritage of Santa Cruz, a treasure that must be preserved for future generations.