Forest Fires: 2 500 hectares destroyed in Ecuador

Approximately 2 500 hectares of forest were razed in Ecuador during the past three weeks by fire, of which 90 percent have been caused, authorities said Monday.

"We can speak of some 2,500 hectares of forests burned" in the country, told AFP an Environment Ministry source.

The most affected areas are the Andean provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, Tungurahua, Azuay and where in the last week burned 1,005 acres in the protected area of Cajas National Park (south).

"In Azuay have an average daily 10 to 20 forest fires", he too said a spokesman for the Fire Basin (provincial capital) and added that the fire was controlled and boxes.

In Pichincha (Quito capital) have been burned since July to date about 250 to 260 hectares, reported the largest Manuel Sanchez, coordinator of local firefighters.

According to both authorities have not registered victims, but several homes were at risk of being burned. (AFP)