By Natalia Rueda 
Forest fires have unleashed an emergency in the Cerros Orientales, located in the city of Bogota, leaving in their wake a trail of destruction of 12 hectares of land. However, in the midst of this desolate situation, citizens are showing their generosity and solidarity by lending their support to all the people who are fighting day and night to control the flames.
The fire, which started on Monday, has been out of control for two days. As a result, the Mayor of Bogota, Carlos Fernando Galan, has declared a state of emergency in the area and has established a Unified Command Post near the affected area. Initial indications from the Bogotá Fire Department suggest that the fire may have been caused by a bonfire set by people.
According to reports from the authorities, many animal species have been affected by the fire and have had to leave their homes in search of shelter. Some of them have even reached the city, disoriented by the smoke and the loss of their natural habitat. For this reason, citizens have been asked to call the emergency lines in case they find any animal.
The fire has not only affected the forest, but also nearby areas. So far, five other fires have been reported in different parts of the city. The situation is alarming. In addition to the 17 fire stations operating in Bogota, more than 150 people, including firefighters and military personnel, are working on the ground to combat the emergency. Helicopters and airplanes from the Police, Fire Department and Air Force have also been deployed to help extinguish the flames.
From the first moment the fire was reported, the inhabitants of the city and surrounding areas have come together to offer their help at the aid and donation centers set up in the area. With a great sense of community, citizens have brought food, water, tools and other resources for the emergency teams.
The situation in the Cerros Orientales serves as a wake-up call about the need for greater awareness and responsibility towards our environment. It reminds us that our actions, no matter how small, can have a big impact on the world around us.
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