Colombian authorities have declared a public calamity after a wildfire broke out near Villa de Leyva (a well-known colonial town roughly 160km north-east of Bogotá), scorching approximately 290 hectares and forcing evacuations of residents and hotel guests. More than 400 firefighters, volunteers, and emergency workers — supported by four helicopters that carried out around 170 water drops — had brought the blaze to about 50% containment by Sunday evening, though strong winds continued to hamper efforts. The fire is one of at least 19 active blazes burning across Colombia, with officials warning that worsening El Niño conditions — which reduce rainfall and raise temperatures — are expected to heighten wildfire risk across the region through April; authorities say the Villa de Leyva fire may have been deliberately set, though an investigation is ongoing.