25 Sep 2024 | 12:57 AM UTC
Ecuador: Authorities responding to forest fires in Quito area as of late Sept. 24
Authorities responding to forest fires in multiple areas of Quito, Ecuador, as of late Sept. 24; road closures, heavy smoke reported.
Firefighters are responding to multiple forest fires in Quito as of late Sept. 24. Three of six fires are under control. The largest wildfire is burning in the city's Guapulo area. The two other fires are located in the Itchimbia sector of La Tola and in La Forestal in the south of the city.
Numerous roads are closed, including Avenida Simon Bolivar and Tunel Guayasamin. Authorities have advised residents to avoid traveling around Quito to facilitate firefighting and rescue efforts. Authorities in Quito have suspended license plate restrictions and canceled the scheduled electricity cutoffs initially in place due to the water crisis caused by the lack of rain. Officials have halted services at the La Floresta, Carolina, and Tumbaco substations as a precaution. The wildfires have caused damage to one house in Gonzalez Suarez. Authorities have closed schools Sept. 25. There are high levels of smoke in affected parts of Quito, which will likely persist through at least Sept. 26.
Heightened security and transport disruptions will likely continue the affected areas until all the fires are extinguished. Authorities may issue evacuation orders for some areas. Smoke from the fires could noticeably worsen air quality in affected areas over the short term.
Avoid the affected areas until firefighters give the all-clear. Allow additional time if traveling within 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.
