Quito wildfire forces evacuations; helicopters deployed

Firefighters in Ecuador, backed by four helicopters, battled a wildfire on Casitagua hill overlooking Quito on Friday after nearly 50 people were evacuated as a precaution.

Captain Pablo Andino of the Quito Fire Department said about 100 firefighters were trying to contain two hotspots. He said brush, trees and wind gusts were causing the fire to spread quickly and putting firefighters at risk.

Quito Mayor Pabel Munoz estimated that about 100 hectares, or 250 acres, had burned on Casitagua. There were no reports of injuries or damage to homes so far.

Two military and police training academies and residential complexes are located at the foot of the hill. Resident Marta Gonzalez said people in the area dug a trench and threw dirt into it to try to stop the flames from advancing.

Quito has had no rain for more than a month. City authorities have recorded nearly 200 wildfires between June and September, with about 1,200 hectares of forest destroyed in the capital. Eight fires were still active on Friday.