Wildfire torches parts of Colombia

Colombian authorities declared a public calamity as a wildfire burned through mountains surrounding one of the country’s best-known colonial towns in the northeast, scorching large swaths of vegetation and forcing evacuations.

Nearly 20 active fires are burning across the South American country. Dry conditions have increased fire danger in Colombia as it braces for the effects of El Niño, which can help wildfires spread. The fire in Villa de Leyva, a popular tourist destination about 160 kilometres (100 miles) northeast of the capital, Bogota, began on Saturday on a mountain overlooking the town. By Sunday evening, authorities said about 717 acres had been affected — an area roughly equivalent to 400 football fields — and the blaze was about 50 per cent under control.

Strong winds have complicated efforts to contain the flames, which at times advanced toward populated areas. Local authorities declared an emergency, suspended in-person classes on Monday and carried out preventive evacuations, including at hotels near the fire. More than 400 firefighters, emergency workers, residents and volunteers took part in the response, while four helicopters dropped water on the flames. Carlos Amaya, governor of Boyaca state, where Villa de Leyva is located, said aircraft carried out about 170 water drops on Sunday, releasing some 240,000 litres (63,400 gallons).