Ecuador battles wildfires near capital as drought grips South America
Al Jazeera
About 2,000 firefighters, rescue workers and members of the military are fighting blazes around Quito.
Firefighters in Ecuador are working to contain a number of wildfires outside the country’s capital, as several South American nations struggle with the effects of widespread drought and record-setting blazes.
Quito was blanketed in smoke and ash on Wednesday, as some 2,000 firefighters, rescue workers, and members of the military worked to evacuate residents and push back the flames. At least six injuries have been reported so far.
“The fire will not end in the next few hours. It will surely continue into the night,” Mayor Pabel Munoz told reporters, adding that lower nighttime temperatures could help firefighters in their efforts.
Munoz described the situation as “critical” and said two firefighters had been hurt battling the flames.
“Quito is under attack,” city security official Carolina Andrade said, adding that two adults and two children were also among the injured.
