A significant forest fire has occurred in the El Descanso area of Azuay, prompting immediate action from local firefighters. Over 40 members of the Cuerpo de Bomberos, along with 12 firefighting vehicles, have been deployed to combat the blaze, which spans around 11 hectares. The firefighters are operating from the Escuela de Bomberos Cuenca, a strategic location that facilitates the laying of hoses and advancing their operations effectively.

Efforts by the firefighters include cooling the ground, removing vegetation materials, and continuous monitoring to prevent the fire from reactivating. The challenges faced include the topography of the area, which is steep and makes access difficult, resulting in the firefighters having to work manually for an extended period, with initial teams on-site for more than 10 hours.

As the situation unfolds, there are plans to return to the site shortly for thorough inspection and to ensure that all hotspots are fully extinguished. The ongoing operations reflect the commitment and preparedness of the local firefighting teams in responding to environmental emergencies in Azuay, highlighting the challenges of forest fire management in the region.