What is the name and location of the wildfire?
As of September 21, 2026, the Villa de Leyva wildfire is burning on Cerro San Marcos, above the historic colonial town of Villa de Leyva in the Boyacá department of central Colombia (1).
The fire began on September 19 in the La Marmolera sector and has spread rapidly through steep terrain under strong winds. Authorities believe the fire may have been deliberately started, though no individual has been identified.
Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?
The Villa de Leyva wildfire is affecting the following communities:
- Sachica
- Villa de Leyva
Massive smoke plumes from the fire are visible from Villa de Leyva's central square, and active fire fronts remain on the upper part of Cerro San Marcos and toward the town of Sachica.
What is the current containment status of the wildfire?
As of September 21, 2026, the fire remains largely out of control, with more than 170 acres burned and active fronts on the upper slopes of Cerro San Marcos. Approximately 30% of the fire was reported under control on Saturday night, but the blaze continued to spread.
More than 190 emergency personnel are deployed, supported by three aircraft. The Government of Boyacá has declared a state of extreme urgency to accelerate resource deployment (2).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
A Red Alert has been issued in Villa de Leyva in coordination with emergency agencies and security forces. Four residents near Cerro San Marcos had been evacuated by Sunday, with authorities preparing to evacuate approximately 10 additional homes if conditions worsen (3).
Hotels in Villa de Leyva have offered space and logistical support for displaced residents. Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella pledged to mobilise all state resources to protect residents and the town's cultural heritage.
How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.
- Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
- Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
- Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
- Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
- Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.
