A wildfire near Villa de Leyva has burned about 200 hectares (494 acres) and is visible from the town's main square. Around 250 firefighters and volunteers, assisted by four helicopters and reinforcements from Bogotá, have been battling the blaze since it began Saturday. The Disaster Risk Management Agency reported the fire was roughly 50% under control as El Niño-driven drought and heat heighten wildfire risk across the region.
Wildfire Threatens Villa de Leyva: 200 Hectares Burn as Crews Race to Protect Colonial Town
The fire is burning near the historic town of Villa de Leyva in the Colombian Andes (Handout)
A fast-moving wildfire continued to threaten the scenic Andean town of Villa de Leyva on Sunday, with flames visible from the town's main plaza and smoke drifting over its colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. Local officials said the blaze has now affected roughly 200 hectares (494 acres), a significant increase from early reports.
About 250 local firefighters and residents were battling the blaze roughly 24 hours after it began in a nearby forest. Volunteers used machetes and branches to try to slow the flames on the ground while helicopters carried out water drops on stands of eucalyptus that the fire was consuming.
Reinforcements and Aerial Support
Two helicopters from the governor's office and two military helicopters joined the response, and additional firefighters were dispatched from Bogotá to assist local crews. Officials described the operation as a coordinated effort between local volunteers, municipal teams and national resources.
President Abelardo de la Espriella posted on X: "We will deploy all state resources to fight this fire and protect its inhabitants, its heritage, and its natural wealth."
The country's Disaster Risk Management Agency said in a Sunday afternoon statement that the fire was about 50 percent "under control." Authorities cautioned that conditions remain dangerous: the Andean dry season, now intensified by the El Niño pattern, has brought drought and higher temperatures that raise wildfire risk across the region.
Wider Context
According to the latest official figures, there are roughly 18 active forest fires across Colombia. Villa de Leyva, which draws more than a million visitors a year for its well-preserved colonial architecture, faces both immediate safety concerns and potential longer-term impacts on tourism and local heritage if the fire spreads.
Authorities urged residents and visitors to follow evacuation orders and safety warnings while crews continue containment efforts.
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