A Battle in the Clouds: A Forest Fire Challenges Imbabura's Ecosystem

High in the serene, cloud-kissed moors of the Imbabura province, a quiet, desperate battle is being fought. For days, a relentless forest fire has consumed one of Ecuador's most valuable ecosystems, the Cotacachi Cayapas National Park. This is not a typical fire; it is a high-altitude emergency, with firefighters, park rangers, and community members facing off against the combined might of fierce winds, dry conditions, and an unforgiving landscape.

Since August 18, 2025, the fire has raged in a remote area, at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters, near the beautiful Piñán Lagoon. The remoteness of the location and the severe, unpredictable winds have made it a formidable adversary. The latest reports indicate that the flames have consumed an astonishing 1,323 hectares of moors, a fragile and vital ecosystem that serves as a massive water regulator for the region.

The fight is far from simple. While the left flank was successfully brought under control, the fire’s right front and a central area remain active, with a persistent 500-meter active fire line still burning in the upper parts of the crest. In the lower areas, although the flames have been extinguished, residual hot spots pose a constant threat of re-ignition.

The challenge is so severe that it has required a highly specialized and coordinated response. The operation has brought together over 130 people, including a special brigade of high-mountain firefighters. Teams from Quito, Cotacachi, Ibarra, and Urcuquí have deployed to the area with 25 support vehicles, including all-terrain units and drones for aerial monitoring.

For the safety of all involved, the call has been made to only allow specialized personnel into the danger zone. Volunteers are not permitted, a tough but necessary decision driven by the extreme conditions and the need to ensure a steady supply of provisions for those on the front lines. The technical command center has remained on maximum alert as the situation remains a threat to this invaluable biosphere reserve.

This battle is not just a professional effort; it is a community-wide undertaking. Local institutions like the Cotacachi Municipality, the Imbabura Prefecture, and the Ministry of Education have rallied to provide crucial logistical support, ensuring that those fighting the fire have the necessary food and hydration. This unified front of firefighters, park rangers, and local communities is a testament to the collective determination to protect this natural treasure.

As the fourth day of operations continues, with teams focusing on liquidating the remaining active flanks, the hope is that this relentless effort will soon bring the fire under complete control. The Cotacachi Cayapas National Park is more than just a place on a map; it is a source of life for the entire province, and its preservation is a duty that the community has met with courage and commitment.

• Ecuavisa: "Incendio forestal en el Parque Nacional Cotacachi Cayapas ha consumido 1 022 hectáreas."

• Bomberos Quito: "Más de mil hectáreas consumidas por el incendio forestal en la Reserva Ecológica #Cotacachi - #Cayapas."

• La Hora: "Incendio en Cotacachi - Cayapas: 70% bajo control y nuevas tareas para este 21 de agosto."