Uncontrolled wildfires in Santa Cruz affect health and education.

The situation of the wildfires in Santa Cruz has reached an alarming level, with a total of 50 active hotspots across 12 municipalities, according to the latest report from the Departmental Emergency Operations Committee (COED). The flames have consumed vast areas of vegetation, generating a devastating environmental impact and affecting the quality of life for the region's inhabitants. The most affected municipalities are Concepción, Ascensión de Guarayos, and Urubichá, where thick smoke has engulfed communities, making visibility difficult and causing concern among residents. The municipality of Concepción is the most critical, with 13 active fires that have prompted its authorities to act urgently. In other municipalities such as Ascensión de Guarayos and Urubichá, the situation is equally precarious, with 8 fire hotspots. San Ignacio de Velasco and San José de Chiquitos are also facing serious difficulties, reporting 5 and 4 fires respectively. The fire continues to spread, threatening not only local flora and fauna but also the health and safety of the residents. Dionisio Castro, Risk Management Coordinator for the Santa Cruz government, has noted that 482 firefighters have been mobilized so far, including volunteer firefighters, municipal firefighters, regional government personnel, and community members. These brave men and women are working tirelessly on fire control and mitigation efforts. "We are in a constant battle against the fire, and although we have mobilized resources and personnel, the situation becomes more complicated every day," Castro stated in a recent declaration. Logistical support has also intensified, with the distribution of 26 tons of food for the firefighters on the front lines battling the blazes. Additionally, 8.5 tons of extra food have been donated by local residents and businesses. However, despite these efforts, the magnitude of the fires is such that a broader collaborative effort is needed to address the crisis. With 561,886 hotspots recorded throughout the year, Santa Cruz is experiencing one of its worst fire seasons in recent years. The prolonged drought and high temperatures have created conditions conducive to the spread of fire, prompting experts to warn of the possibility of a large-scale environmental disaster. The scientific and environmental community has expressed concern over the long-term effects these fires could have on local ecosystems and public health. The situation has had a significant impact on education, forcing the suspension of classes in several municipalities, including San Javier and Concepción. The dense smoke has led educational authorities to make difficult decisions to ensure the safety of students. This school closure not only affects children's learning but also impacts families who rely on their children's education as a means to improve their quality of life. Local authorities continue to urge the public to take precautions and report any detected fire hotspots. Despite ongoing efforts, community commitment is crucial to combat this crisis. Collaboration between citizens, authorities, and non-governmental organizations can make a significant difference in the fight against the fire. With the wind favoring the flames and the lack of rain, the situation appears more concerning than ever. The short-term outlook is not encouraging; the population of Santa Cruz finds itself at a crossroads, where daily life is disrupted by a natural phenomenon that threatens not only natural resources but also the health and well-being of its citizens. The government has made an urgent call to the national government for more decisive measures and to declare an environmental emergency in the region. Meanwhile, firefighters continue to battle the flames, an effort that requires not only courage but also a collective commitment from the entire Santa Cruz society to face the challenges ahead.