Raging wildfire covers Ecuadorian capital in smoke

A wildfire raging in Quito has forced residents to flee their homes and Ecuador’s president to make an emergency return from abroad.

A wildfire raging in Quito has forced residents to flee their homes and Ecuador’s president to make an emergency return from abroad, as heavy smoke spreads across whole neighborhoods of the capital city. “I had two refrigerators, stoves, gas tanks, beds, dining tables, everything. As you can see, it’s all on fire … It’s terrible,” said Maria Sarango, who lost her home and all her possessions to the fire in Quito. “We didn’t expect that. My mom is elderly. She’s 95 years old … The police came to take her out because she can’t walk,” she told CNN, standing in front of the charred remnants of her house on a hillside. Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa canceled his visit to the United Nations in New York this week, where he was set to address the General Assembly, saying Tuesday night that he would return home to lead government response efforts. Over 200 firefighters with 65 vehicles are trying to put out the fires, supported by at least 30 water tankers, Quito Mayor Pabel Muñoz said. Schools were closed on Wednesday, Muñoz added, urging citizens to stay indoors to avoid health problems from the poor air quality.