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Wildfires strain emergency response.
Colombia declared a public calamity as a wildfire burned through the mountains around Villa de Leyva, forcing evacuations, suspending classes, and damaging hundreds of hectares of vegetation. Authorities deployed hundreds of responders and aircraft to contain the blaze, while investigators examined whether the fire was deliberately set. The fire is one of nearly 20 active wildfires across Colombia, where dry conditions and the developing El Nino are increasing fire risks. Ecuador is also battling multiple fires as officials warn that hotter, drier conditions could worsen wildfire activity across the region in the coming months.
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