A grave forest fire is recorded by a flyer in a cemetery on the Bogotá Vega La Vega road

A major wildfire erupted along the road connecting Bogotá to La Vega during the night of Thursday, August 13, 2026. The fire concentrated in two hamlets within the municipality of La Vega, near the area known as Alto de Minas. According to local authorities, the blaze was caused by the use of fireworks during a funeral ceremony held in the Las Minas sector. The incident has prompted emergency services across multiple regions to mobilize resources to contain the flames. The fire broke out late into the evening and quickly spread due to dry vegetation and strong winds. Emergency response teams from several municipalities began deploying equipment and personnel to combat the blaze. Firefighters from neighboring towns such as Tenjo and Cota arrived with water tankers to assist in containment efforts. Local communities also joined in, helping to prevent the fire from reaching nearby buildings along the main highway. Operations continued through the night, with crews working tirelessly under challenging conditions. Governor Jorge Emilio Rey Ángel of Cundinamarca confirmed that two large wildfires were burning in adjacent areas near Alto de Minas. He stated that the situation had been declared an emergency, prompting the establishment of a unified command post to coordinate resources and manage the response. Officials emphasized the need for cooperation among different agencies and local leaders to ensure effective resource allocation and operational efficiency. Captain Álvaro Eduardo Farfán Vargas, the departmental delegate for firefighters, reported that operations to control the fire were ongoing. He noted the involvement of firefighting units from La Vega, San Francisco, Tenjo, and Cota, as well as support from the local community. Efforts have focused on preventing the fire from spreading further and protecting infrastructure in the surrounding areas. Despite these measures, the intensity of the wind and the dryness of the terrain have made containment efforts difficult. Preliminary investigations by emergency officials identified the cause of the fires as the use of fireworks during a funeral ceremony in the Las Minas area. The captain highlighted the lack of responsibility demonstrated by individuals who used pyrotechnics in a forested zone, stating that such actions pose unnecessary risks to the community. Authorities reiterated their stance against using flammable materials or fireworks in wooded areas to prevent future incidents. They urged residents to exercise caution and adhere to safety regulations to avoid similar situations. Local authorities have maintained surveillance in the affected area to extinguish hotspots and prevent the fire from reigniting. They continue to monitor the situation closely and remain prepared for any developments. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible behavior in natural environments, particularly during cultural or religious ceremonies. Emergency services are still assessing the extent of damage and ensuring that all threats have been neutralized.