Wildfire near Ortega

An intense heat signature is currently being detected from space over an active wildfire burning near Ortega, Colombia, highlighting the severe thermal energy coming off the front. Satellites have picked up 29 heat detections in the surrounding area over the past 48 hours, illustrating the extent to which the blaze has spread across the landscape. The fire, which officially started on August 14, 2026, has grown to encompass 500 hectares, equivalent to 1,236 acres.

This ongoing incident unfolds during the region's typical fire season, characterized by dry conditions that can exacerbate fire behavior. While this active blaze near Ortega continues to demand local attention, the broader national landscape tells a different story. Across the country, 941,238 hectares have burned so far in 2026, a total that sits 55 percent below the two-decade average for the same period.