Fire in Quilanga ravages hectares and puts the local community in jeopardy.

The forest fire in Ecuador continues its relentless advance, wreaking havoc in the province of Loja, specifically in the town of Quilanga. According to a recent statement from the Secretariat for Risk Management (SGR), the affected area has reached 3,877 hectares, representing a severe detriment not only to the environment but also to the local community. The flames have damaged a nearby poultry farm, further complicating the economic situation of the residents in the area. Firefighters from various localities, in collaboration with members of the Armed Forces, have been deployed to Quilanga to combat the fire. However, the situation has been hindered by a lack of resources, as reported by the town’s mayor, Juan Carlos Santín. In his statements, Santín mentioned that the government of Daniel Noboa has not provided the necessary means to face this natural disaster, which has led to two firefighters being injured while trying to control the blaze. One of the biggest problems has been the bureaucracy that has prevented the arrival of a water-dropping helicopter, which is considered essential to extinguish the fire. "Due to bureaucratic issues and paperwork, the helicopter did not arrive," lamented the mayor, reflecting the frustration of local authorities at the inefficiency of the system. This situation has raised concerns among residents, many of whom have already lost their homes and have had to be relocated to temporary shelters. Authorities had reported days earlier that the fire was under control, but unfortunately, it reignited and has continued to spread. On a national level, a total of 12 forest fires have been reported in Ecuador, highlighting the severity of the season. The SGR continues to conduct satellite monitoring while the Quilanga Emergency Operations Committee (COE) works tirelessly to contain the fire. The situation is further complicated by the recent evacuation of staff from the television channel Teleamazonas in Guayaquil due to a fire on Cerro del Carmen, which has become the command center for firefighters. Explosions from fireworks during a funeral in the city have been mentioned as a possible cause of the fire, although firefighters have not yet confirmed this information. Specialists have warned that current weather conditions are conducive to the generation of fires. High temperatures, low humidity, scant cloud cover, and increased wind speed are factors that raise the risk in the Andean and coastal regions. Additionally, human activity often serves as the trigger for these disasters. The situation in Quilanga reflects the ineffectiveness of emergency response systems in the country. Citizens feel distressed and helpless, while authorities struggle against a fire that shows no signs of letting up. The lack of resources and bureaucracy are becoming significant obstacles to controlling the flames, and many families have already lost everything they had. The suffering of the residents of Quilanga should be a wake-up call for the Ecuadorian government. An immediate action plan is needed not only to contain the fire but also to review and improve the risk management system. Protecting the lives and property of the population must be a priority, especially in crisis situations like the one currently being experienced. While the community feels vulnerable, the efforts of firefighters and the Armed Forces are commendable. However, it is clear that they need adequate support to address a problem that worsens with each passing day. Coordination among different institutions and the provision of resources are essential to prevent this tragedy from recurring in the future. It is time to act and ensure that the citizens of Ecuador can feel safe in their own homes.