Over 17,000 hectares destroyed in Colombia forest fires, as temperatures soar

Due to wildfires raging across several parts of the country, Colombia declared a disaster situation on Thursday, since November, Colombia has been battling forest fires that have destroyed over 17,000 hectares (42,008 acres), as the country experiences its hottest January in years.

During this period, authorities have reported more than 340 fires, fueled by an extended drought, record-breaking temperatures, and the El Nino weather event. Environment Minister Susana Muhamad stated on Friday that 26 fires are still active.

One of these fires is alarmingly close to Bogota’s eastern El Paraiso neighborhood, burning just about 900 meters (2,953 feet) away.

"Today, we have a fire in the Nevada del Cocuy," a natural park with snow-capped peaks about 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Bogota, Muhamad told a news conference.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has declared a "situation of disaster and calamity" due to raging wildfires, redirecting approved funds for crisis management. Seeking international aid, the US, Chile, Peru, and Canada have responded.

The fires, linked to the El Niño weather phenomenon, are expected to worsen in the coming months. Petro emphasizes the gravity of the "climate crisis," with temperatures 5-10°C above normal. Smoke has disrupted Bogota, leading to flight cancellations.

The National Disaster Risk Management Unit reports 25 active fires, with 217 extinguished. El Dorado airport faced restrictions due to low visibility from smoke and fog, impacting 138 flights.

Smoke in Bogota

One of the fires is currently burning about 900 meters away from Bogota’s eastern El Paraiso neighborhood. Some residents affected by the smoke are being treated, as reported by the Colombian Red Cross in Bogota on a social media platform. They also shared photos of emergency workers helping a man who was wearing a face mask.

This week, President Gustavo Petro declared a natural disaster. This declaration allows money to be moved from other budget items to help fight the fires. He also asked for help from other countries.

After having restrictions the day before that affected 138 flights, Bogota’s El Dorado international airport is back to normal operations as of Friday.

According to Ghisliane Echeverry, who is the director of the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies in Colombia, this month could be the hottest January in 30 years. Echeverry also warned that February could be even hotter, and it won’t be until March that rain will help lessen the effects of the extreme heat.

Authorities are looking into whether some of the fires were started on purpose. So far, police have arrested 26 people for crimes related to fires.

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