Ecuador: Capital Quito in “state of emergency” due to 27 forest fires

A strong wind spread a burning smell in the Ecuadorian capital Quito on Wednesday, which was placed in a “state of emergency” due to 27 forest fires ravaging the surrounding mountains, injuring six people, in the context of the worst drought that Ecuador has experienced in 61 years.

A report released on Tuesday evening indicated five fires in the Ecuadorian capital, which has nearly 3 million inhabitants.

The National Emergency Operations Committee (COE) “has just declared a state of emergency at the metropolitan level,” announced the mayor of Quito, Pabel Muñoz, who heads the body. The measure will allow, among other things, to request loans of $500,000 from banks for the reconstruction of affected properties and the restoration of flora affected by the 27 fires that began to break out on Tuesday, he added.

“Quito is under attack”

“Quito is under attack,” Carolina Andrade, the municipality’s security secretary, told reporters earlier, announcing that the fires had injured four people, two adults and two minors.

Mayor Pabel Muñoz reported two firefighters injured while carrying out evacuations. On Tuesday evening, the mayor reported “five fires,” describing the situation as “critical.”

The fires come as the country is in the midst of its worst drought in 61 years, with water supplies disrupted and power outages lasting up to 12 hours at a time. The drought, which scientists attribute to climate change, is also affecting Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, which have also been hit by fierce fires.

The European Copernicus Observatory reported Monday that the Amazon and the Pantanal wetland have experienced their “worst fires in two decades” in recent months.

Criminal origin

Ecuadorian authorities, however, believe that the 27 fires around Quito are of criminal origin, with drought increasing the spread of fire. They announced the arrest of a 19-year-old man found in possession of a can of gasoline.

“We will look for the arsonists even under the rocks,” assured Pabel Muñoz, while the authorities offered rewards to find those responsible.

The fires broke out simultaneously on Tuesday in the hills of the eastern outskirts of the capital, threatening several residential areas. The fire was still active on Wednesday in this suburb, particularly on the hill of Auqui. The flames also affected the metropolitan park of Guangüiltagua, one of the largest in the city, and the forests surrounding the residential neighborhoods of Guapulo, Bellavista and Gonzalez Suarez.

Nearly 2,000 firefighters, military personnel and rescue workers, as well as helicopters, were deployed. A total of 107 families were evacuated as a precaution, while seven houses were affected by the flames.

Smell of burning

In the morning, a haze caused by the smoke covered the sky and the smell of burning permeated even the interiors of some buildings. Victims inspected the remains of their charred homes. “We found the house in ashes. We lost everything. All we have left are a few clothes,” Alexis Condolo, a 23-year-old mechanic, told AFP.

Because of the smoke, “I had to sleep with a mask and wet wipes on top,” said Claudio Otalima, 82. A gas tank exploded in his house because of the fire. The man also lost his small crop on the hillside.

President Daniel Noboa cancelled his scheduled speech to the United Nations assembly in New York on Tuesday and returned home the same day.

In the early hours of the morning, fire alerts were issued in other parts of the city. “We cannot lower our guard or give up,” assured Pabel Muñoz, referring to the strong winds and dry vegetation due to the prolonged absence of rain. “The scourge has been contained in some critical points. Above all, priority has been given to where there were homes,” he added.

Unbreathable air

According to the environmental authorities of the municipality, the air quality in the center and north of Quito “has reached levels requiring precautions,” while near the fires, pollution is harmful to health.

On the streets, residents wear masks to protect themselves. Schools have suspended classes. Municipal and government institutions have opted for teleworking.

The severe drought affecting the country has led the government to declare 20 of the 24 provinces on red alert. The country has recorded some 3,300 forest fires this year, with nearly 38,000 hectares of vegetation destroyed, 14 people injured and 797 people affected, according to the government.

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