Fires in Ecuador: A change in management and environmental education is urgent.

The situation of wildfires in Ecuador has become alarming, especially with the recent fires affecting the provinces of Loja and Cotopaxi. Despite the intervention of a Peruvian military helicopter that has provided over three thousand liters of water to extinguish the fire in Quinara, the blaze has remained active for more than 12 days and has generated emergencies in the neighboring parishes of Malacatos and Vilcabamba. The local response, although effective in some measures, has been questioned by experts who believe that adverse weather conditions were anticipated and that a lack of preparedness has exacerbated the situation. Marlon Cárdenas, head of the Fire Department in Loja, has reported on the strategies implemented to combat the flames, which include both aerial and ground operations. However, the nature of the terrain and strong winds, exceeding 70 kilometers per hour, further complicate the firefighting efforts. The community and armed forces are opening paths with rudimentary tools such as chainsaws and machetes, highlighting the difficulty of accessing the affected areas. The fires are not limited to Loja. In Sigchos, Cotopaxi, another significant fire is wreaking havoc. Although authorities are acting decisively, the lack of a coordinated plan has been evident. Environmental experts, such as Esteban Suárez, have emphasized that education and awareness about the causes of these fires are key. Many of these blazes are intentionally set, either to clear land or to feed livestock. If there had been more effective prevention campaigns, perhaps the magnitude of this crisis could have been avoided. Criticism of crisis management has been unanimous. José Salazar, an environmental engineer, argues that both local and central authorities have failed in their duty to coordinate efforts to extinguish the fires. The lack of a rapid response has allowed the flames to spread, affecting large areas and populations. The Ecuadorian Constitution establishes that managing emergencies of this nature is the responsibility of the state, which implies a clear obligation that has not been fulfilled. Moreover, the lack of information about areas vulnerable to wildfires has been a recurring theme among specialists. Daniel Arteaga, an expert from UDLA, has proposed that periodic updates of risk maps be conducted. With climate change and variations in vegetation, it is crucial that studies remain current to prevent future disasters. The absence of mass prevention campaigns has been a key issue in the experts' analyses. They consider it imperative for the population to receive clear information about the risks of dry weather and practices that can prevent fires. Additionally, it is important to educate about the penalties for those who start fires, an aspect that is often overlooked in discussions about prevention. The recent tragedy in Ecuador is not only a wake-up call for emergency management but also an opportunity to rethink how environmental education is approached. Wildfires are a recurring phenomenon in many regions of the country, and it is essential to develop a more proactive approach to mitigate their impact. As the community struggles to control the flames, the need for a change in public policy becomes increasingly urgent. Proper management of the environment and education of the population are key components to prevent these crises from recurring in the future. At the end of the day, the responsibility lies not only with the authorities but also with each citizen. Prevention is a collective effort that requires everyone's commitment. With the hope that a similar situation does not happen again, Ecuador needs a renewed and coordinated approach to protect its forests and biodiversity.