Raging forest fires in Quito, Ecuador, attributed to arson

The situation escalated on September 25, 2024, when President Daniel Noboa canceled his scheduled address at the United Nations General Assembly to return to Quito and address the crisis. The fires have devastated approximately 36,600 hectares, leading to evacuations, injuries, and damage to homes. Local officials have reported that the fires were likely started intentionally, with a 19-year-old man arrested for allegedly igniting one of the blazes. The mayor of Quito, Pabel Munoz, emphasized the need for urgent reconstruction efforts and the restoration of affected areas, highlighting that the city is grappling with the effects of climate change and severe drought that have made such disasters more frequent.

Current Status of the Fires

As of September 26, firefighters were working to control the remnants of the fires, which had sent large clouds of smoke over the city. Helicopters were deployed to extinguish the remaining flames, and officials expressed confidence that the situation would stabilize soon. However, the risk of rekindling remains due to high winds typical of the region.

Government Response

In light of the crisis, the Ecuadorian government is considering a nationwide state of emergency to address the broader impacts of the drought, which has severely affected agricultural production and energy generation. The Environment Minister, Inés Manzano, pointed out that climate change is exacerbating these challenges, necessitating coordinated efforts at all levels of government to combat the ongoing environmental threats.