An ongoing forest fire in the cerro San Marcos in Villa de Leyva has remained active for more than 28 hours, prompting local authorities to declare a public calamity, according to official reports from September 2026. The emergency response involves ground teams, firefighters, and the Defensa Civil, alongside aerial support from the Fuerza Aérea Colombiana, which deployed a Black Hawk helicopter to drop thousands of gallons of water on the flames.
The conflagración began on the afternoon of Saturday, September 19, affecting the sector of La Castellana on the mountain. According to statements from the Ministry of Environment, the fire reached a 50% containment level by the afternoon of Sunday, September 20. However, strong winds and high-velocity gusts have continued to fan the flames and push new fire fronts toward populated areas near the municipality.
Did You Know? The Black Hawk helicopter deployed by the Fuerza Aérea Colombiana discharged 14,000 gallons of water onto the active hotspots during the firefighting operations.
Emergency Measures and Evacuations in Villa de Leyva
In response to the advancing flames, authorities ordered the evacuation of residents in the northeast of the municipality. School classes were suspended for Monday, September 21, and the municipal coliseum was converted into a temporary shelter and coordination point for emergency responders and affected residents. The Puesto de Mando Unificado operates out of the Casa de Justicia to direct firefighting strategies across multiple agencies.
Secretary of Government Nicolás Méndez reported that several individuals experienced respiratory issues, visual discomfort, and falls while working on the front lines of the emergency. One injured person received treatment at the local hospital, while others were assisted directly at the scene. Municipal officials have requested that civilian volunteers focus strictly on logistical and administrative tasks to prevent congestion in the operational zones.
Deployment of Aerial and Ground Units
Governor Carlos Amaya called for additional support from neighboring municipalities to help contain the emergency, noting that four total aeronaves—two contracted by the Gobernación of Boyacá and two provided by the national government—have participated in the response. Minister of the Interior Rodrigo Lara confirmed via social media that technical reviews from the command post validated the 50% containment status, while the Minister of Defense expressed gratitude to all personnel operating in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the forest fire located?
The fire is consuming the cerro San Marcos in Villa de Leyva, specifically affecting the sector of La Castellana.
Why was a public calamity declared?
Authorities declared a public calamity to coordinate institutional responses, activate protective measures for exposed residents, and manage evacuations in the northeast of the municipality.
What measures have been taken for residents and students?
Officials ordered evacuations in the northeast sector, suspended classes for Monday, September 21, and opened the municipal coliseum as a processing and aid center.
What steps might be taken if wind conditions persist and disrupt aerial firefighting efforts in the coming operational cycles?
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