Curious people almost ended up crushed by a tree while watching the forest fire in the eastern hills of Bogotá

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On the afternoon of January 24, three people were injured after a tree fell while they were watching the fire on El Cable Hill in Bogotá – credit @pablogo1998/X

On the afternoon of Wednesday, January 24, the Bogotá Mayor’s Office reported that three people were injured after the fall of a large tree on Calle 39 and Carrera 2, in the town of Chapinero, to the east of the city. The impact of the tree caused some people who were in the area to be immediately treated by emergency teams.

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The city of Bogotá is on alert due to multiple fires that have been recorded in the last four days, which has generated constant concern in the population. The most recent emergency took place on El Cable hill, towards the center-east of Bogotá, where the flames spread during the afternoon of Wednesday, attracting the attention of residents.

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Three people were injured after a tree fell in Bogotá and the Chapinero firefighters helped them – credit @pablogo1998/X

However, in the midst of observing the fire, a group of people did not notice the fall of a tree, which ended up falling very close to the citizens. The impact of the falling tree caused three people to be injured in the accident.

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Firefighters from the Chapinero station responded quickly, rescued people and provided pre-hospital care to the injuries, which were not serious. In addition, the Bogotá Health Secretariat was present in the area.

This fact highlights the importance of maintaining safety recommendations amid the current fire situation in Bogotá.

These are the self-care measures that citizens should follow in the face of the cloud of smoke that covers Bogotá after four consecutive days of forest fires – credit Bogotá Mayor’s Office

Secretary Gerson Bermont has issued crucial recommendations, focusing especially on people with respiratory comorbidities, cardiovascular diseases, those suffering from COPD, adults over 65 years of age, children under 5 years of age and pregnant women. Measurements include:

• Use N-95 masks when going out, especially if your means of transportation is a bicycle or if you will be in areas that have poor levels of air quality.
• Stay home if it is not necessary to go out.
• Near fires, keep windows closed and place a wet towel under doors to prevent smoke from entering.

This is what the smoke cloud looks like in Bogotá on January 25 – credit Jorge Alzate/Infobae

• Avoid doing outdoor sports activities.
• Refrain from intense physical activities.
• Avoid outdoor exposure during high traffic hours (6 am to 10 am and 5 pm to 8 pm).
• Maintain constant hydration.
• To avoid the use of tobacco.

These measures seek to mitigate the risks associated with air pollution and protect the health of the population. In fact, Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán invited companies that can, as a recommendation, to take the teleworking measure. The authorities urge citizens to follow these recommendations diligently amid the current environmental situation.

This is what the country looks like with its fire alarm points in Colombia, according to a NASA report – credit Nasa/Firms

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) has reported that around 7 a.m. on January 25, 31 active forest fires were recorded in various areas of Colombia. The affected departments, according to the entity, are the following:

• Huila: Tarqui, Oporapa, Algeciras (3), Baraya.
• Santander: Tona.
• Bogotá, DC: Cerros Orientales and Cerro El Cable.
• Boyacá: Zetaquira, Susacón.
• Bolívar: El Peñón.
• Cesar: Valledupar (2), Pueblo Bello, Curumaní.
• Cundinamarca: Nemocón, Nimaima, Quebradanegra, Sibaté, Gachancipá, Fómeque, Soacha.
• Antioquia: Santa Bárbara, Carolina del Príncipe.
• La Guajira: The Mill.
• North of Santander: El Carmen, Salazar, Chitagá, Bucarasica, Toledo.

So far, damage has been reported that covers approximately 600 hectares in the national territory. Cundinamarca is the most affected department.

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Furthermore, in the most recent report from the Ministry of the Environment, it is highlighted that 952 municipalities are on fire threat alert, of which 586 are on red alert. Likewise, 33 municipalities face a threat from landslides, including Bogotá, with seven of these on red alert. Low levels have been reported in the Magdalena and Cauca basins, while 99 municipalities are on alert for frost. The Ungrd continues to monitor the situation and issue recommendations to mitigate the associated risks.

Firefighters seek to control the forest fire in the El Mochuelo sector in Ciudad Bolívar, near the Doña Juana landfill – credit Ciudad Bolívar Local Mayor’s Office