Colombian officials are investigating whether criminal groups started some of the forest fires that have burned nearly 30,000 hectares of land in Tolima province this month.
Tolima Governor Adriana Matiz said authorities have found what she called “serious clues” pointing to possible sabotage. She has also filed a complaint with Colombia’s attorney general.
Criminal Groups Suspected of Starting Fires
Matiz said local residents recorded videos that appear to show men on motorcycles setting fires in several areas.
The governor also cited a report from a local fire department that identified gasoline as the fuel used to start one of the fires.
Authorities are investigating whether armed groups deliberately started the blazes to divert security forces from another area. Matiz said criminal groups may have an interest in protecting illegal gold mining operations.
The allegations have not yet been proven, and investigators continue to examine the available evidence.
Colombia Orders Investigation Into Forest Fires
President Abelardo de la Espriella also raised concerns about possible deliberate fires.
In a post on X, the president said he had asked law enforcement agencies to investigate whether people intentionally started some of the blazes.
He also requested assistance from the United States and Chile to help Colombia fight the fires.
The fires have spread across several parts of the country this month. Authorities have reported incidents in Cundinamarca, Valle del Cauca, Nariño and Boyacá.
High Temperatures Worsen Tolima Fires
Weather conditions have made the situation more difficult in Tolima.
Temperatures have reached more than 2 degrees Celsius above normal in some parts of the province this month. Rainfall has also fallen about 30% below the usual level, according to Cortolima, the regional environmental agency.
Tolima remains the worst-affected region.
The regional government says the fires have destroyed 50 homes and almost 8,000 hectares of farmland. Authorities have reported no deaths from the fires so far.
However, the agricultural damage has already created serious concerns for local communities.
Farmers Face Major Economic Losses
Governor Matiz said many residents have lost crops and livestock resources because of the fires.
Some farmers have lost entire corn and lemon harvests. Others now face difficulties feeding their cattle.
Matiz warned that the destruction could trigger a significant economic crisis in the region. The provincial government has started preparing measures to support affected communities.
Officials continue to investigate the cause of the Tolima forest fires while firefighters and emergency teams work to contain the remaining blazes.
