Central Colombia forest fire threatens tourist town of Villa de Leyva

The country has battled multiple wildfires amid record-breaking temperatures fueled by El Nino and intense drought conditions.Published On 20 Sep 202620 Sep 2026A massive wildfire has broken out in central Colombia, threatening the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva, according to local officials.The forest fire is near the Andean town in the Boyaca department, with flames engulfing the San Marcos hillside above the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets that attract more than a million visitors annually. The blaze has already consumed 40 hectares of native forest, sending massive plumes of smoke that are visible from the town’s central square, according to Colombian authorities.On Saturday night, Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella posted on X that “Villa de Leyva is not alone”, pledging to mobilise all state resources to fight the fire and protect “this historical jewel” and “beautiful city that is the pride of Colombia”.To combat the flames, the Boyaca department government said it is dispatching two aircraft. A military helicopter will also join the effort, along with firefighters from the capital, Bogota, Interior Minister Rodrigo Lara said.The mayor of Bogo...