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David Santiago Tamayo reports 36 active forest fires in Colombia as the nation manages a dual emergency with a major earthquake.

Colombia is currently managing a dual national emergency as forest fires intensify across the country following a devastating earthquake on August 10, 2026. David Santiago Tamayo, director of the National Unit for Risk Management and Disasters (Ungrd), reported that 36 active forest fires were registered as of August 13, 2026, with 45 already extinguished by emergency teams. The fires have caused significant environmental damage, affecting 1,195 hectares of land. While the seismic emergency remains the primary focus, the administration is coordinating efforts to control the fire foci, particularly in the departments of Tolima and Quindío, which were also impacted by the earthquake. The Bogota Fire Department has deployed a specialized team of 15 members to support fire extinguishment in Tolima, utilizing manual tools and aerial drops. The Ideam has placed 339 municipalities on red alert for forest fires. Representative Mafe Carrascal expressed her expectations for the government to address the climate crisis with less denialism and more decisive environmental policies.

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