# Colombia declares public calamity as wildfire threatens tourist town

https://mins.news/en/item/67724

- The Guardian, 2026-09-21 17:13 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/21/colombia-wildfire-villa-de-leyva

> Colombian authorities declared a public calamity after a wildfire swept through the mountains around Villa de Leyva, forcing preventive evacuations and suspending in-person classes. About 290 hectares were affected and more than 400 firefighters, emergency workers, residents and volunteers joined the response. Officials said the blaze was about 50% controlled, while a possible deliberate cause was under investigation.

## Related coverage

- [Colombia battles massive wildfire](https://mins.news/en/item/67049) — France 24, 2026-09-21
- [Colombia battles massive wildfire](https://mins.news/en/video/67072) — France 24 English, 2026-09-21
- [Central Colombia forest fire threatens tourist town of Villa de Leyva](https://mins.news/en/item/66421) — Al Jazeera, 2026-09-20