Helicopters battle wildfire threatening Ecuador's capital Quito

QUITO, Ecuador - Ecuadoran firefighters, supported by four helicopters, battled a major wildfire on Friday that threatened to engulf the capital city of Quito. The blaze, which ignited on Casitagua hill, prompted the evacuation of around 50 individuals as a precautionary measure. Captain Pablo Andino of the Quito Fire Department explained that the fire had consumed approximately 100 hectares of land, with two hotspots still requiring attention from the 100 firefighters on the ground.

The region, characterized by dense brush and trees, was particularly vulnerable due to the lack of rainfall in Quito over the past month, which had rendered the area exceptionally dry and prone to rapid fire spread. While there were no reported injuries or property damages, the situation posed significant risks to the safety of firefighters.

Quito Mayor Pabel Munoz estimated the fire's reach to be around 100 hectares, and noted that two military and police training academies, along with residential areas, were situated at the base of the hill. To mitigate the threat of further spread, residents dug trenches and used dirt to block the flames' path. Since June and September, nearly 200 wildfires have been recorded in Quito, collectively destroying roughly 1,200 hectares of forest.

In 2024, the city had faced its most severe forest fire in decades, resulting in injuries to six people and destruction of homes.