VILLA DE LEYVA, Colombia - September 21, 2026: A rapidly spreading forest fire in central Colombia is threatening the surroundings of the historic tourist town of Villa de Leyva, as firefighters and emergency teams continue efforts to contain the blaze amid hot, dry and windy conditions.
The fire, which began in the San Marcos area of Villa de Leyva in Boyacá department, has affected more than 200 hectares of vegetation, with a regional government-linked report estimating approximately 273 hectares affected. Authorities have cautioned that the figure remains subject to change as firefighting and assessment operations continue.
More than 250 firefighters, emergency responders and soldiers, supported by local volunteers, have been mobilized to fight the flames. Four helicopters have also been deployed to support aerial firefighting operations, including water drops. Firefighting teams from Bogotá and neighbouring municipalities have joined the response.
Authorities reported that the fire was about 50 percent controlled or confined on September 20, although strong and changing winds continued to challenge containment efforts and contributed to the emergence of new hotspots.
Several people living or staying near the affected areas have been evacuated as a precaution. Reports indicate that 29 people were evacuated from a nearby hotel, while several families were also relocated from areas considered at risk.
The wildfire comes as Colombia experiences conditions associated with a strengthening El Niño climate pattern, accompanied in several areas by high temperatures, reduced rainfall and exceptionally dry vegetation. Colombia's meteorological institute, IDEAM, has warned of a high probability of very strong El Niño conditions during the final months of 2026 and into early 2027.
These conditions can increase the likelihood and intensity of wildfires by drying vegetation and creating conditions in which fires can spread more rapidly. However, El Niño or climate change should not be identified as the direct cause of the Villa de Leyva fire without evidence establishing its ignition source.
Authorities are continuing to investigate how the fire started. Preliminary local reporting has raised the possibility of human involvement, but no definitive cause has yet been established.
The emergency highlights the growing challenges faced by communities, ecosystems and tourism destinations when extreme heat, drought and dry vegetation coincide with strong winds. Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia's best-known historic and tourism destinations, is surrounded by environmentally sensitive landscapes that are increasingly exposed to climate-related hazards.
Colombia has experienced multiple forest fires during periods of extreme heat and drought. The Villa de Leyva emergency therefore underscores the importance of early warning systems, landscape-level fire prevention, community preparedness and stronger climate adaptation measures as wildfire risks evolve.
Ecosphere News will continue to monitor developments and update the situation as authorities provide verified information on the fire's extent, containment and cause.
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