Fire in Loja: Ecuador receives support from Colombia and Peru in response to environmental emergency.

The situation in the province of Loja, Ecuador, is critical following the uncontrolled forest fire that has ravaged more than 4,800 hectares in the Quilanga area. For the past nine days, the flames have threatened not only the local flora but also the lives of around sixty families, ten of whom have lost their homes. The response from Ecuadorian authorities has been swift, mobilizing resources and international support in a joint effort to mitigate the disaster. This Sunday, the Ecuadorian Foreign Ministry announced that Colombia is joining Peru in the fight against this devastating fire. The Colombian Air Force has committed to sending three BambiBucket units designed for use in helicopters. These devices, which can hold up to 420 gallons of water, will be operated by two specialized technicians who will also travel to Ecuador to ensure effective and safe use of the technology. Additionally, a team consisting of a supervising pilot for the C130, a loadmaster, and a technician for the Caylim system will be sent. This last team is crucial, as it will be responsible for transferring knowledge about the operation of the system, thereby increasing Ecuador's response capacity to future fires. This type of intergovernmental collaboration underscores the importance of regional solidarity in times of crisis. The situation has also required the involvement of Peru, whose Air Forces have joined their Ecuadorian counterparts in a joint operation called SICOFAA. In this operation, 10,000 gallons of water were successfully dropped in the affected area using a C27J aircraft. Furthermore, a Unified Command Post has been established at Catamayo Airport to coordinate efforts and resources between both countries. As efforts on the ground intensify, the Ecuadorian government has taken additional measures to protect affected communities. Temporary shelters have been set up in San Antonio de las Aradas and Quilanga to accommodate those who have been left homeless due to the flames. Health services have also been mobilized, with nearly a hundred people receiving pre-hospital care following the activation of emergency protocols at local health centers. Firefighting Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF) have been activated and have moved to the area from neighboring provinces of Cañar and El Oro. These brigades are composed of specialized personnel accredited internationally, providing hope in the fight against the fire that has devastated the area. A helicopter equipped with a firefighting device is expected to join these control efforts. With over 2,000 forest fires recorded in Ecuador this year, the situation is becoming alarming. Figures provided by the National Risk Management Secretariat (SNGR) indicate that more than 18,000 hectares have been consumed across 19 provinces, and over 20,000 animals have lost their lives in the process. Among the most affected provinces are Loja, Azuay, Carchi, and Pichincha, where the magnitude of the disaster is deeply felt. The international community has taken note of this environmental crisis. Humanitarian aid and resources to combat the fire are more important than ever, and support from neighboring nations like Colombia and Peru is a testament to regional solidarity. Coordinated actions among countries in the area are an urgent necessity that could make a difference in the fight against such natural disasters. Meanwhile, the call to action is becoming increasingly urgent. Not only is a joint effort needed to extinguish the fire, but also to rehabilitate the affected areas and prevent future incidents. Education on the importance of conservation and resource management is essential to protect the environment and the communities that depend on it. Looking to the future, the fight against the fire in Ecuador is an opportunity not only to address the current crisis but also to strengthen regional collaboration in risk and disaster management. In times of adversity, unity and joint work are essential to move forward and ensure the protection of biodiversity and human life.