Wildfires force state of emergency in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz, global support mobilised
The department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, has declared a regional emergency in response to widespread wildfires threatening communities, forests, and farmland.
Governor Luis Fernando Camacho signed Emergency Decree 505 to accelerate the release of resources and coordinate response efforts after the Departmental Emergency Operations Committee (COED) warned that climate-related shifts are intensifying the scale and frequency of forest fires across the region.
Firefighting brigades recently managed to bring under control blazes in San Matías National Park and the Noel Kempff Mercado Natural Area, though officials said those zones will remain under close surveillance for at least 48 hours to prevent reactivation. A fire remains active in Concepción municipality, where emergency teams and volunteers are working from a newly established field camp.
International assistance has started to arrive. A helicopter from Chile, provided with support from the Airbus Foundation and the French government, has been deployed in San Ignacio de Velasco to patrol and contain fires on the Caparuch plateau. Local officials noted that additional cooperation is expected following recent discussions with the diplomatic corps.
Recent rainfall in parts of Chiquitanía, including Roboré, Carmen Rivero Torres, San Matías, and areas near San Ignacio de Velasco, has helped reduce the intensity of some fires. Still, authorities have urged residents to remain alert, stressing that while many blazes are now under partial control, the risk of flareups remains.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
