Colombia declares public calamity as wildfire threatens popular tourist area

Colombian authorities have declared a public calamity due to a wildfire threatening the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva. The blaze, which began Saturday on a mountain overlooking the town, has scorched approximately 290 hectares of vegetation and forced preventive evacuations, including from hotels. Over 400 firefighters, emergency workers, and volunteers are battling the flames, with four helicopters conducting water drops. Strong winds are hindering containment efforts, and while the fire is reportedly 50% controlled, its origin is under investigation, with preliminary information suggesting it may have been deliberately started. This incident occurs as nearly 20 active fires burn across Colombia, exacerbated by dry conditions and the impending effects of El Niño.

A significant wildfire is threatening the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva in central Colombia, with flames engulfing the San Marcos hillside above the colonial architecture. The blaze has already consumed 40 hectares of native forest, with smoke visible from the town's central square. The Colombian government, including President Abelardo de la Espriella, has pledged to mobilize state resources to combat the fire. Two aircraft, a military helicopter, and firefighters from Bogota, Tunja, and Boyaca are being dispatched to aid containment efforts. This wildfire is occurring amid record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions exacerbated by the El Nino weather pattern, which has intensified a crisis with 18 active wildfires across the country.