Ecuador: Authorities responding to forest fires in Quito area as of Sept. 17

Event

Firefighters are responding to multiple forest fires in the Quito area as of Sept. 17, including in the Itchimbia, Rumiloma-Ilalo, El Dorado, and El Trebol sectors. Officials have closed several roads and road lanes to vehicular traffic amid the blazes, which have reportedly emitted heavy smoke in some areas. Authorities did not immediately confirm what caused the fires to ignite or any associated casualties.

Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely in the affected areas until the fires are extinguished and emergency personnel vacate the incident sites. Authorities may issue evacuation orders for some areas to facilitate the emergency response. Smoke from the fires may noticeably worsen air quality in parts of Quito over the short term.

Advice

Avoid the scenes of the fires until firefighters extinguish the blazes and depart the affected areas. Allow additional time if traveling in Quito and seek alternative routes to circumvent transport disruptions. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness, such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.