Bolivia: Firefighters battle wildfires in Cochabamba department September 7

Event

Firefighters brought two major wildfires in Cochabamba department under control on Monday, September 7. The larger fire in the Mizque municipality affected 103 hectares (255 acres) and was brought under control by over a hundred firefighters and local residents. A smaller fire broke out in the Tunari National Park in the Cochabamba municipality on Sunday evening, September 6. The 15-hectare (15-acre) fire threatened the community of Taquina Chica in Cercado province, before being brought under control on Monday.

Further spread of the fires is possible in the near term. An emergency response presence and localized transportation disruptions, namely road closures, should be anticipated in the affected areas.

Advice

Those in the vicinity of the fires are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.