"Wave of wildfires threatens biodiversity and economy in Jaén."

The province of Jaén is in a critical situation due to a wave of wildfires that have ravaged extensive areas of its ecosystem in less than twenty days. At least 16 fires have been reported, many of which are still uncontrolled, putting the region's biodiversity and the lives of its inhabitants at serious risk. The drought affecting the area has exacerbated this problem, and some individuals have resorted to the dangerous practice of starting fires under the mistaken belief that this could attract rain. The mayor of the province, José Tapia Díaz, has taken decisive action by sending an official letter to the Minister of Defense, Walter Astudillo, requesting the deployment of aircraft equipped to combat the flames. In his communication, Tapia emphasizes that these fires not only threaten local flora and fauna but also impact the headwaters that are essential for supplying water to the population and agriculture, which are fundamental pillars of the local economy. The situation is so alarming that, in a joint effort, the mayor met with various entities, including Provincial Civil Defense, Indeci Cajamarca, and other organizations, to coordinate the dispatch of support brigades. The meeting took place last Tuesday, and the urgent need for intervention to control the spread of the fire, which has affected significant areas of coffee plantations vital to the farmers' economy in the region, was determined. In a message directed to the people of Jaén, Tapia expressed his great concern about the destruction of forests and ecological hills. "This is not only an ecological crime but also directly affects the economic life of our communities," he stressed. His call is clear: it is imperative for the population to understand that burning trees in an attempt to attract rain is a harmful myth that only leads to environmental devastation. The mayor also referred to the legal implications of these actions. He reminded citizens that causing wildfires is a serious crime, according to Article 207 of the forest management regulations, and that penalties can include fines ranging from 10 UIT to 5,000 UIT. The law is unequivocal, and the destruction of the environment not only impacts nature but also has legal repercussions for those caught engaging in this practice. One of the most concerning fires has been reported in the district of San José del Alto, where residents alerted authorities about the situation at the end of August. However, testimonies from locals indicate that the fire began even earlier, creating a climate of desperation and urgency in the community. On Tuesday, the local broadcaster Radio Marañón reported that nearly 90 residents organized themselves to try to control the fire using their own resources. However, despite their efforts, the fire has continued to spread, consuming up to 300 hectares of agricultural land, pastures, and coffee plantations—a devastating blow to a community that relies on agriculture for survival. The alarm over these fires is not only resonating in the local community but has also caught the attention of state authorities, who have been compelled to consider the magnitude of the ecological crisis. The need for state intervention is presented as an urgency, not only to control the fires but also to preserve the future of a region that is vital for the country's biodiversity and economy. It is essential for the people of Jaén and the authorities to work together to address the issue of wildfires. Education on the importance of preserving the environment and the eradication of harmful practices are crucial to ensuring a sustainable future. The fight against this ecological crisis is not only the responsibility of a few but a collective challenge that requires the commitment of all.