Cundinamarca suspends open burning in its 116 municipalities due to fire risk amid the El Niño phenomenon.
The preventive measure will apply in the rural areas of the department until the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology and Environmental Studies (Ideam) officially reports the end of the conditions that motivated the restriction.
The decision is made due to the increase in temperatures, the expected decrease in rainfall, and the higher risk of vegetation fires.
The provision was issued by the Special Administrative Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UAEGRD), through Circular No. 012 of August 25, 2026, addressed to mayors, police inspections, and Municipal Risk Management Councils.
According to official information, there is a probability greater than 90% that the El Niño phenomenon will reach a very strong and historic intensity between September 2026 and February 2027.
For Cundinamarca and the Andean region, rainfall reductions between 30% and 70% are projected. This would be accompanied by temperature increases between 1 °C and 3 °C, with possible peaks of up to 5 °C in some areas.
Which burns are suspended?
The restriction temporarily applies to controlled open burns carried out in rural areas for various productive activities. These include:
- Soil preparation for agricultural activities.
- Clearing of land intended for mining activities.
- Harvest collection.
- Stubble management.
- Frost control.
Remember, the suspension will remain in effect until Ideam officially communicates the cessation of the conditions that led to the adoption of the measure.
Authorities will strengthen surveillance and prevention
As part of preventive actions, municipalities must reinforce patrols in coordination with the Police and environmental authorities, as well as ensure the response capacity of fire departments in case of possible fires.
Authorities must also promote actions to prevent vegetation fires and encourage responsible water use during the period of highest temperatures and lowest rainfall availability.
The UAEGRD will continue monitoring climatic conditions and coordinating with the 116 municipalities and operational agencies to respond to potential emergencies.
What sanctions could those who violate the measure face?
Circular No. 012 warns that unauthorized burns may result in:
- Environmental sanctions.
- Police measures.
- Criminal investigations, depending on the circumstances and the damage caused.
The consequences contemplated by the regulations may include:
- Fines.
- Suspension of activities.
- Deprivation of liberty penalties.
For this reason, the Government reiterated the call to citizens, especially in rural areas, to avoid any unauthorized burning and to immediately report any smoke column, fire outbreak, or vegetation fire.
Citizens can report fire-related emergencies to the Information and Telecommunications Center (CITEL) of the UAEGRD, at cell phone 320 240 6929. The email apoyoemergencias@cundinamarca.gov.co is also available.
The information will allow timely activation of coordination with response agencies and address possible emergencies arising from the climatic conditions expected in the coming months.
Laura Daniela Alarcón Vargas
BOGOTÁ EDITORIAL
