Helicopters battle wildfire threatening Ecuador’s capital

Quito's authorities have been combating nearly 200 wildfires between June and September, a result of the city's low rainfall. On Friday, firefighters, supported by helicopters, faced a major blaze on Casitagua hill, which overlooks the capital. Four helicopters were utilized to combat the fire, which produced substantial smoke plumes.

On the ground, approximately 100 firefighters were working to contain two hotspots, according to Captain Pablo Andino of the Quito Fire Department. The terrain is dense with brush and trees, and strong gusts are causing the fire to spread rapidly, Andino explained, stressing the inherent risks for the firefighters.

The region has experienced a prolonged dry spell, with no rainfall in over a month, resulting in extremely dry conditions that have fueled several fires. Eight fires remain active as of Friday. There have been no reported injuries or property damage so far. Around 50 individuals were evacuated on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

Quito Mayor Pabel Munoz estimated the flames' extent on Casitagua to be around 100 hectares. Notably, two military and police training academies, along with residential complexes, are located at the hill's base.

In an effort to prevent the flames from advancing, residents dug a trench and poured dirt into it. Marta Gonzalez, a 68-year-old seamstress residing in the area, shared this information with AFP. City authorities have documented nearly 200 wildfires from June to September, causing the destruction of about 1,200 hectares of forest in the capital. In 2024, Quito experienced one of the worst forest fires in decades, involving a deliberately started blaze that injured six people and destroyed homes.