Fire in El Ángel Ecological Reserve devastates 300 hectares and threatens ecosystem.

The situation in the El Ángel Ecological Reserve, in the province of Carchi, is alarming. This Wednesday, firefighting teams and military personnel are in the final phase of operations to extinguish the last hot spot of a wildfire that has already devastated more than 300 hectares of this vital ecosystem. According to Jimmy Marcillo, the deputy secretary of the Risk Management Secretariat for Zone 1, the flames reached heights of over two meters, creating a desolate spectacle visible from several nearby communities. The fire, which started last Saturday, August 31, has spread rapidly due to strong winds that have reached speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour. These winds not only fanned the flames but also significantly complicated firefighting efforts, as the steep and difficult terrain of the area known as Puntas Piedras hindered the access of specialized personnel. Firefighters and community members used handheld tools such as fire beaters, shovels, and machetes, but the situation remains critical. The El Ángel Ecological Reserve is a crucial habitat for various wildlife species, including condors, bears, pumas, and white-tailed deer. Biologists monitoring the situation from the operations center have expressed concern, especially following the destruction of what is known as the Bear Feeding Area. Carlos Castro, an environmental leader in the area, has noted that these animals have been forced to abandon their habitat, and the same could apply to many other species that may be affected by the fire. The long-term effects of this fire are difficult to quantify. Experts like Carlos Velasco Enríquez, an environmental consultant and advisor, warn that the consequences could be irreversible and that many species of flora and fauna may have disappeared. Biologist Andrés Laguna emphasizes that these environmental disasters are incomparable and deeply affect the country, given that the reserve is a sensitive and strategic ecosystem that provides multiple environmental goods and services, including carbon fixation and the maintenance of the water cycle. The situation in El Ángel is compounded by an equally worrying scenario in other parts of Carchi, where ten wildfires have been recorded in Guayaquil over the last 48 hours. Authorities have warned that many of these fires are the result of poor agricultural practices, where controlled burns get out of hand, generating adverse effects on both nature and human life. As the fire in the reserve is extinguished, there is also an urgent need to initiate a vegetation recovery program. Local authorities have begun planning actions to restore the affected areas, especially concerning the frailejones and grasslands that are essential for the ecological balance of the region. However, the lack of adequate infrastructure and limited access pose a considerable challenge for recovery efforts. The mayor of Espejo, Arnaldo Cuacés, has highlighted the joint effort of emergency response teams, who have worked tirelessly under adverse conditions and have had to walk for hours to reach the most affected areas. The Espejo Emergency Operations Committee has closely monitored the evolution of the fire, and although it has been reported that the fire appears to be under control, vigilance continues to prevent any reactivation. The situation in the El Ángel Ecological Reserve serves as a reminder of the fragility of our ecosystems and the impact that human actions can have on them. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and irresponsible agricultural practices has resulted in significant damage that could take decades to recover. It is essential that effective policies are implemented and environmental education is promoted to prevent these disasters from recurring in the future. Finally, the surge of wildfires in Carchi not only affects biodiversity but also puts the lives of many people in nearby communities at risk. It is imperative that both authorities and the public become aware of the importance of conserving these natural spaces and promote sustainable practices that protect both the environment and the populations that depend on it.