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Bolivia Declares National Emergency Over Wildfires

The decree frees agencies to fast‑track funding and procurement to reinforce the firefighting response.

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ARCHIVO - Un policía trabaja para apagar un incendio forestal en el bosque de Chiquitania, en las afueras de Roboré, Bolivia, el 30 de agosto de 2019. (Foto AP/Juan Karita, Archivo)
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Overview

  • President Luis Arce approved a Supreme Decree enabling national, departmental and municipal bodies to mobilize resources, make direct contracts and shift budgets for firefighting, recovery and reforestation.
  • Authorities reported 720 heat hotspots nationwide, with 549 in Santa Cruz, 140 in Beni and 15 in Potosí.
  • Eight fires remain active, seven of them in Cochabamba, with officials highlighting concern in the Tunari Forest Reserve.
  • Fires are impacting protected areas, including Noel Kempff Mercado National Park in Santa Cruz, a UNESCO World Heritage site where crews have worked since August 6.
  • Officials plan to convene the diplomatic corps to coordinate international assistance, while about 60 judicial cases target agricultural burns suspected of sparking blazes.