What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of September 23, 2026, the Villa de Leyva wildfire, which began on September 19 in the La Marmolera sector on Cerro San Marcos above Villa de Leyva in Boyacá, central Colombia, has spread rapidly through the surrounding mountainous terrain (1).
The fire has reached the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary and continues to threaten the surrounding high-Andean ecosystems.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?
The Villa de Leyva wildfire is affecting the following communities:
- Arcabuco
- Chíquiza
- Sáchica
- Villa de Leyva
What is the current containment status of the wildfire?
As of September 23, 2026, the Villa de Leyva wildfire has affected approximately 1,200 hectares, including 715 hectares within the Iguaque sanctuary, and is 75% controlled. Two active fronts remain in steep, difficult-to-access terrain (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
A Red Alert remains in place in Villa de Leyva, although the fire near the urban area is largely contained. The main threat has shifted to the upper mountain slopes toward Iguaque (3).
Protect yourself from wildfire smoke
See how a wildfire smoke air purifier can help clean your air.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
