Wildfires Consume 30,000 Hectares Across Tolima, Criminal Groups Suspected
More than 30,000 hectares have been burned across Colombia’s Tolima department as firefighters battle one of the region’s worst wildfire emergencies in years, but authorities are now investigating a darker possibility: that some of the fires are being deliberately set by criminal groups seeking to divert security forces, destabilize communities and gain control of territory. Interior […]
More than 30,000 hectares of land have burned in Colombia's Tolima department amid one of the region's most severe wildfire crises in years. Firefighters are bracing for an ongoing battle, but authorities are now looking into the possibility that some of the fires might have been intentionally set by criminal groups. Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara indicated that the government has intelligence pointing to the involvement of FARC dissidents and illegal mining networks, while Tolima Governor Adriana Matiz cited evidence and "serious indications" of deliberate criminal activity behind some of the fires.
The allegations stem from extreme dryness, the El Niño phenomenon, and widespread human-caused burning across at least 28 municipalities in Tolima. As of Sunday, nine major fires remained active, with nine major fires still burning, primarily in San Luis, Coello, and Suárez. The flames have destroyed crops, ranches, and homes, with at least 18,000 cattle left without food sources.
Over 600 firefighters, backed by police aircraft, army helicopters, and private agricultural aircraft, are working tirelessly to contain the flames. Fires have begun again in rural Coello, putting a gas tank at risk. Authorities are weighing the possibility that some of the fires may be used as a weapon against the new administration of President Abelardo De La Espriella.
Written by urgent.news from The City Paper Bogotá's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
