Wildfire Rages Near Villa de Leyva; Hotel Arcoíris Damaged, 2,000 Evacuated

A forest fire ignited Saturday afternoon on Cerro San Marcos near the tourist town of Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, and remained uncontrolled as of Sunday evening. Flames have spread through pine plantations and native vegetation, with initial estimates citing roughly three hectares affected, though authorities warn the figure may rise.

Authorities evacuated at least 2,020 residents and tourists starting Sunday morning due to heavy smoke causing respiratory issues, particularly among children and the elderly. The Hotel Arcoíris was consumed by the blaze after staff pleaded for help from 9:00 a.m., stating firefighters and civil defense did not arrive in time. Twenty-nine people were rescued from the property; ten administrative staff remained on site.

“We have no firefighters, no civil defense, no army. Nobody helps us, a helicopter doesn't help us, we can't do absolutely anything.”

Firefighters from Villa de Leyva, Tunja, Tinjacá, and Sáchica are battling the fire with support from military helicopters. The Interior Minister, Rodrigo Lara, posted midday on X that the National Fire Directorate considered the blaze "stable" with dangerous hotspots eliminated, yet locals reported flames still visible from the central plaza and reaching the Nido Verde sector.

Governor Carlos Amaya said coordination with municipal and national agencies began immediately upon the first report. He later confirmed the highest risk had passed but crews remained on scene. The mayor's office appealed for public donations of water and face masks. No fatalities or injuries have been reported.