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Forest Fire Rages Near Colombia's Villa de Leyva, Over 200 Hectares Affected
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Firstpost•21-09-2026, 12:27
Forest Fire Rages Near Colombia's Villa de Leyva, Over 200 Hectares Affected
- •A forest fire near the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva, Colombia, has affected over 200 hectares, visible from the town's central square.
- •Approximately 250 firefighters and residents, supported by multiple helicopters, battled the blaze which started Saturday.
- •Colombia's Disaster Risk Management agency reported the fire was 50% under control by Sunday afternoon, with Environment Minister Fabio Arjona suggesting it might have been deliberately set.
- •Villa de Leyva declared a 'public calamity,' suspending classes, as Mayor Nicolas Mendez called for urgent national support due to overwhelmed local resources.
- •The fire, intensified by the El Nino weather pattern, forced hotel evacuations and reached some cabins, with residents feeling abandoned amidst the crisis.
Key Questions Answered
More than 200 hectares, which is about 494 acres, have been affected by the forest fire near Villa de Leyva.
Authorities declared a state of public calamity and suspended classes in local schools on Monday.
Environment Minister Fabio Arjona stated that the fire may have been deliberately set.
