4,800 Hectares Devastated by Fire in Ecuador
Brigades arrive with supplies for affected families in Las Aradas, Loja, Ecuador, Sep. 1, 2024. Photo: X/ @RosarioCordovaV
September 2, 2024 Hour: 10:37 am
The Peruvian Air Force sent two C27J Spartan aircraft and two Mi-17 helicopters to assist in controlling the fire.
On Monday, the National Secretariat for Risk Management (SNGR) confirmed that 4,800 hectares of land have been scorched by a forest fire that has been raging for ten days in southern Ecuador.
RELATED:
Since January in Ecuador More Than 20,000 Animals Have Died in Forest Fires
Over the weekend, the Peruvian Air Force (FAP) sent two C27J Spartan aircraft and two Mi-17 helicopters to assist in controlling the fire. Colombia also sent a firefighting team to operate the Hercules C-130 aircraft, along with specialist operators for this plane.
The fire started in the rural area of San Antonio de las Aradas, within the municipality of Quilanga, in the province of Loja. The Ecuadorian Armed Forces, the National Police, fire brigades, and some local residents have been involved in efforts to control the blaze.
As a result of the advancing flames, at least sixty families have been affected, including ten who have been left homeless as the fire reached several homes.
Consequently, two temporary shelters have been set up in San Antonio de las Aradas and Quilanga to house those who have lost their homes. Additionally, around one hundred people have received pre-hospital care after health centers in the affected area activated their emergency protocols.
The Forest Fire Reinforcement Brigades (BRIF) from the provinces of Cañar and El Oro have responded to the fire. The BRIF are specialized teams accredited by international organizations for the control and extinguishment of forest fires. The administration of President Daniel Noboa also ordered the preparation of a helicopter equipped with firefighting devices to support the fire-fighting efforts.
Currently, there are about fifteen active wildfires in Ecuador, with only three under control. The one in Loja is by far the most serious due to the extent of the scorched area. Forest fires in Ecuador typically occur during the dry season and have in the past consumed large expanses of forest.
teleSUR/ JF Source: EFE
