Forest fire threatens tourist town in Colombian Andes

A forest fire was burning Sunday in central Colombia near the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva, officials said.

The flames were visible from the central square of the Andean town, known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, that attracts more than a million tourists each year.

More than 200 hectares (494 acres) have been affected, local official Jose Castro told AFP, four times the area reported on Sunday morning.

Some 250 local firefighters and residents were fighting the blaze in the afternoon, about 24 hours after it began Saturday in a nearby forest.

Two helicopters from the governor's office and two military helicopters joined the effort, as did firefighters from Bogota.

The country's Disaster Risk Management agency said in a statement that the fire was 50 percent "under control" by Sunday afternoon.

Environment Minister Fabio Arjona said on X that the fire may have been "deliberately set."

"Villa de Leyva is not alone," Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella said on X.

"We will deploy all state resources to fight this fire and protect its inhabitants, its heritage, and its natural wealth," he added.

Authorities in Villa de Leyva declared a state of "public calamity" and suspended classes in local schools on Monday.

Mayor Nicolas Mendez told Caracol TV on Sunday evening that there were still "many active fire fronts."

"The resources we have are being overwhelmed," he said, calling for "urgent support" from national authorities.

Hotel manager Eliana Suarez said staff evacuated around 20 guests as the flames advanced along the hillside toward the hotel.

The fire later reached the roofs of some of its country cabins.

"They abandoned us when we needed it most and we are still asking for help and no one listens to us," the 24-year-old told AFP.

Forest fires are common during the dry season in the Andean region near the equator, but conditions have been intensified during the current El Nino weather pattern, which is bringing drought and high temperatures.

There are about 18 active forest fires in Colombia, according to the latest official data.