Wildfire reaches Iguaque sanctuary as more than 700 hectares of protected land burn
A wildfire that began on the hills above Colombia’s historic town of Villa de Leyva has spread into the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque, with more than 700 hectares of the protected area now affected and two fire fronts still active. The emergency, which began on September 19 in the La Castellana area and […]
A wildfire that began on September 19 near Villa de Leyva, Colombia, has spread to the Iguaque sanctuary, affecting over 700 hectares of protected land. Two active fronts remain, and authorities estimate 1,200 hectares have been affected across the region. The sanctuary, located in the Eastern Cordillera, is home to diverse ecosystems, including páramo, high-Andean forest, and glacial-origin lagoons.
It also plays a crucial role in regulating and storing water, contributing to the recharge of aquifers that supply rural and urban communities. Species at risk include the frailejones, white-tailed deer, brocket deer, and various bird species. The emergency response involves over 250 people, including firefighters, soldiers, and park rangers, supported by aerial firefighting operations.
The incident highlights the sanctuary's importance not only for biodiversity but also for the region's water supply and as a site of Muisca cultural traditions.
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