Forest fire threatens tourist town in Colombian Andes

A forest fire has erupted near the popular tourist destination of Villa de Leyva, a picturesque Andean town renowned for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. Local officials report that the blaze has consumed approximately 200 hectares of land, a significant increase from the initial estimate of 50 hectares reported on Sunday morning. The fire began in a nearby forest on Saturday and has since spread to the central square of the town, drawing the attention of over a million annual visitors.

Over 250 local firefighters and residents have been battling the inferno since late Saturday afternoon. They have employed traditional methods such as machetes and branches to contain the blaze, while a helicopter has been dropping water onto the flames consuming eucalyptus trees. The Colombian government's Disaster Risk Management agency has stated that the fire is now 50% under control, thanks to the concerted efforts of firefighting teams from Bogota, the governor's office, and military helicopters.

President Abelardo de la Espriella issued a statement pledging that all state resources would be mobilized to combat the fire and safeguard the town's inhabitants, heritage, and natural wealth. Colombia is currently grappling with a total of 18 active forest fires, a situation exacerbated by the recent El Nino weather pattern, which has brought drought and soaring temperatures to the region.