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Rodrigo Lara Restrepo coordinates national response to severe forest fires in Tolima affecting agricultural sector

The administration announced a coordinated response to address the devastating forest fires in Tolima, which have consumed over 30,000 hectares of vegetation across 28 municipalities. Minister of Interior Rodrigo Lara Restrepo reported that the fires have caused significant economic damage, with agricultural losses exceeding 44 billion pesos. The administration is currently investigating potential criminal involvement, including illegal mining networks and FARC dissidents, who are allegedly responsible for some of the fires to create disorder. Governor Adriana Magali Matiz Vargas highlighted the severity of the crisis, noting that nine active fires remain in high-vulnerability areas like San Luis, Coello, and Suárez. To support the recovery of the agricultural sector, a working group meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 24, in Bogotá. This meeting will involve the Minister of Agriculture, Indalecio Dangond Baquero, to establish a roadmap for economic relief and productive recovery for farmers and livestock owners who have lost crops and food sources.

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