Overview
- Regional authorities report six active fires across multiple Cusco districts that have consumed roughly 16,000 hectares of pastures, native vegetation and forest.
- The blazes have caused five confirmed deaths, including three elderly adults and two siblings, and are threatening homes, crops and local livelihoods.
- Firefighting operations involve the 15 regional fire companies, municipal brigades, National Police, the Army and volunteer residents who are working under maximum alert.
- Response was temporarily slowed over a recent weekend when security forces were reassigned to electoral duties, prompting the regional government to send extra equipment and expand trainings for Serfor staff and social program beneficiaries.
- Cusco has recorded more than 280 fires so far this year, and meteorological forecasts of high temperatures and strong winds increase the risk of new ignitions and faster spread, which could prolong damage to communities and ecosystems.