Colombia has declared a public calamity as a wildfire burns through mountains around Villa de Leyva, one of its best-known colonial towns, forcing evacuations amid dry conditions.
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Key facts
- Colombian authorities declared a public calamity over a wildfire near Villa de Leyva in the north-east.
- The fire scorched large swaths of vegetation and forced evacuations.
- Nearly 20 active fires are burning across the country.
- Dry conditions have increased fire danger as Colombia braces for El Niño.
Colombian authorities have declared a public calamity as a wildfire burned through mountains surrounding Villa de Leyva, one of the country’s best-known colonial towns in the north-east, according to the Guardian.
The blaze scorched large swaths of vegetation and forced evacuations in the area, a popular destination for tourists.
The fire near Villa de Leyva is one of nearly 20 active blazes burning across the South American country, the Guardian reported.
Dry conditions have raised fire danger in Colombia as the nation braces for the effects of El Niño, a weather pattern that can help wildfires spread.
Why it matters
Wildfires threatening a well-known tourist town underscore how dry conditions and El Niño are intensifying fire risk in Colombia. The public calamity declaration signals the scale of the emergency facing residents and visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the wildfire burning?
The wildfire is burning through mountains surrounding Villa de Leyva, a well-known colonial town in north-east Colombia, according to the Guardian.
How many fires are active in Colombia?
Nearly 20 fires are actively burning across the country, the Guardian reported.
Why is fire danger rising in Colombia?
Dry conditions have increased fire danger as Colombia braces for the effects of El Niño, which can help wildfires spread.
Timeline
- Colombia declares public calamity as wildfire threatens popular tourist area
The Guardian World: Wildfire forces evacuations and burns through mountains surrounding Villa de Leyva in the north-east Colombian authorities declared a public calamity as a wildfire burned through mountains surrounding one of the country’s best-known colonial towns in the north-east, scorching lar