About 2,000 firefighters, rescue workers and members of the military are fighting blazes around Quito.
Wildfires are raging outside Quito, Ecuador’s capital, as a severe drought grips South America, leading to record-setting blazes across multiple nations. Quito was engulfed in smoke and ash, prompting the evacuation efforts of 2,000 firefighters, rescue workers, and military personnel. The situation remains dire, with at least six reported injuries and Mayor Pabel Munoz emphasizing the ongoing battle against the spreading flames.
The crisis has been described as “critical” as two firefighters sustained injuries, and residents, including children, suffered harm. The relentless fires have destroyed homes, leaving individuals devastated and grappling with loss.
Ecuador faces its worst drought in over 60 years, exacerbating the wildfire crisis and highlighting the urgent need for climate action. South American nations are reeling from the impacts of climate change, with severe weather conditions leading to heightened vulnerability and environmental degradation.