"Alarming increase in forest fires in Guayaquil mobilizes firefighters and authorities."

In the last 48 hours, Guayaquil has experienced a worrying increase in forest fire activity, with ten emergencies reported in various areas of the city. The municipal entity Segura EP has been responsible for raising the alarm, confirming that these incidents have required the urgent intervention of the Guayaquil Fire Department, which has mobilized a considerable contingent to address the situation. The response to these fires has been coordinated and swift, involving a total of 250 firefighters and 31 specialized units deployed across different affected sectors. This effort has not been solely local, as resources from the Air Force, as well as from the Municipal Control Agency (ACM) and the Municipal Transit Authority (ATM), have also been added in a joint effort to combat the flames and protect the lives and property of citizens. Guayaquil's mayor, Aquiles Álvarez, emphasized the importance of collaboration among the various entities involved in the fight against the fires. In his statements, he highlighted that thanks to the effective coordination between Segura EP and the Fire Department, as well as the air support provided by the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE), the fires were brought under control in a relatively short time. "Protecting Guayaquil in extreme conditions has been our priority, and we will remain vigilant to ensure the safety of all," the mayor stated. One of the critical points of these fires was kilometer 22.5 on the road to Daule, near the Lago de Capeira urbanization, where a significant fire was reported. The Fire Department received the alert for this emergency around 4:30 PM on Friday, August 30, and quickly mobilized to contain the flames and prevent their spread to residential areas. In addition to this incident, the Fire Department had to act in other risk zones, such as the Cerro del Carmen and along Juan Tanca Marengo Avenue, where burning brush was detected. These events highlight the need for constant vigilance, as current weather conditions are extremely conducive to the ignition of forest fires. The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inahmi) has provided crucial information about the weather conditions in the country, indicating that clear skies and high daytime temperatures are factors contributing to the rapid spread of the fires. Wind gusts and increased UV radiation have created a risk environment that can trigger emergency situations in a matter of minutes. The community is on high alert, and many citizens have expressed their concerns about safety in their neighborhoods. The rapid response of the firefighters has been fundamental, but there is also a call for the public to take precautions, avoid improper burning, and report any signs of fire to the authorities. It is crucial that, in addition to immediate responses, a culture of prevention is fostered among the residents of Guayaquil. Education on how to handle risk situations and the importance of not contributing to the spread of fires are necessary steps to mitigate the effects of this issue. The current situation in Guayaquil highlights the vulnerability of urban areas to natural disasters and underscores the importance of appropriate urban and environmental planning that considers these risks. Collaboration between the municipal government and the community will be essential to face future challenges and protect the natural environment of the city.