Quito wildfire forces 48 people to flee

A wildfire in Quito forced 48 people to leave as a precaution while firefighters fought flames on Casitagua, a peak in the north of Ecuador's capital, city authorities said Friday.

Authorities said strong winds and dry vegetation after a lack of rain helped spread the blaze. The Quito Fire Department said crews were working from the air and on the ground to contain the fire and reduce the risk to nearby homes.

The department said nine wildfires broke out on Thursday and firefighters brought seven under control. Fire official Jefferson Mera said mountainous terrain made some fires difficult to reach.

Quito security chief Carolina Andrade said close to 200 hectares, or about 500 acres, may already be affected. Authorities reported no injuries or damage to nearby homes.

City authorities said nearly 200 wildfires were recorded between June and September, destroying about 1,200 hectares of forest in the capital. Four people faced legal action for starting wildfires, including one person sentenced to six months in prison.