Villa de Leyva Wildfire Sparks Emergency as Fire Affects 70 Hectares
A wildfire on Cerro San Marcos in Villa de Leyva, Boyaca, had affected about 70 hectares by Sunday, according to a preliminary estimate from acting mayor Nicolás Mendez Figueroa. Authorities deployed three aircraft and prepared for further evacuations. The fire began around 2 p.m. Saturday in the La Marmolera sector and continued spreading through steep […]
A wildfire in the Villa de Leyva region of Colombia has spread across 70 hectares, prompting an emergency response. Acting Mayor Nicolás Mendez Figueroa estimated the fire's size, higher than an initial report of over 40 hectares. The blaze started Saturday evening in La Marmolera sector and has been threatening homes and natural areas.
Three aerial firefighting aircraft joined ground crews to battle the fire, supported by the Colombian Aerospace Force and the government of Boyaca. The UNGRD suggested the fire may have been intentionally set. The state of extreme urgency was declared, allowing authorities to bypass standard procedures for faster resource deployment.
Over 190 emergency personnel were expected to participate in the operation. Evacuations have been ongoing, with four residents already moved and more likely if conditions worsen. The Colombian government pledged to deploy all state resources to combat the fire and protect Villa de Leyva's heritage and natural beauty.
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