Quito Wildfires Persist in Casitagua and La Vicentina, Judicial Actions Initiated Against Suspects

Wildfires continue to be active in Quito, specifically on Casitagua hill and in the La Vicentina sector, as of Friday, September 18, 2026. Data from the Municipality of Quito indicates that approximately 1,200 hectares have been consumed by fires across the city during the summer period. The Casitagua hill alone accounts for nearly 200 hectares of affected land.

In response to these incidents, the institution has filed seven complaints, resulting in four suspects being judicialized. One of these individuals is currently held under preventive detention. On Thursday, nine forest fires mobilized approximately 220 firefighters, 70 vehicles, and 60 crisis management personnel. Fires in Villaflora, Mercado Mayorista, Tolontag, Chiriboga, Alangasí, La Bota, and El Quinche were controlled, while efforts continued in La Vicentina and Casitagua.

For the Casitagua fire, 90 firefighters and 27 vehicles are deployed. Four helicopters are scheduled to begin operations from 07:00. During the early hours of September 18, flames extended across the upper part of Casitagua, impacting areas such as Catzuquí de Velasco and Pomasqui. The Metropolitan Agency is implementing road closures in areas adjacent to the active fires, including Pedro Porro and Carlos Cevallos in Pomasqui, and partial closures on Avenida Velasco Ibarra (Oriental).

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (Inamhi) maintains an active technological monitoring system for heat spots across Ecuador using the GeoGloWS tool. This system currently shows at least five active heat spots in Quito, with two near Casitagua. Large smoke plumes from Casitagua are affecting approximately four northern neighborhoods of Quito. Temperatures in Casitagua, Pomasqui, reached 27 degrees Celsius with solar radiation.

What to watch

Continued monitoring of the Casitagua and La Vicentina fires is critical, alongside the effectiveness of aerial operations and ground efforts. The progress of judicial proceedings against the four suspects, particularly the individual in preventive detention, will be a key indicator of enforcement actions against arson. The impact of ongoing road closures on local traffic and commerce in affected areas like Pomasqui and along Avenida Velasco Ibarra should also be observed.

Sources: primicias.ec; primicias.ec; vistazo.com.