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Colombian officials said a forest fire raged Sunday in the country's central region near the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva.
Flames were visible from the central square of the Andean town, known for its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets, which draws more than a million tourists each year.
More than 200 hectares (494 acres) have been affected, local official Jose Castro told Agence France-Presse (AFP), four times the area reported on Sunday morning.
Around 250 local firefighters and residents battled the blaze in the afternoon, roughly 24 hours after it began Saturday in a nearby forest.
Two helicopters from the governor's office joined the effort, along with two military helicopters and firefighters from Bogota.
The country's Disaster Risk Management agency said in a statement the fire was 50% "under control" by Sunday afternoon. Environment Minister Fabio Arjona said on X the blaze may have been "deliberately set."
"Villa de Leyva is not alone," Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella wrote on X.
"We will deploy all state resources to fight this fire and protect its inhabitants, its heritage, and its natural wealth," he added.
Authorities in Villa de Leyva declared a "public calamity" and canceled classes at local schools Monday.
Mayor Nicolas Mendez told Caracol TV on Sunday evening that "many active fire fronts” remained.
"The resources we have are being overwhelmed," he said, appealing for "urgent support" from national authorities.
Hotel manager Eliana Suarez said staff had evacuated around 20 guests as flames advanced along the hillside toward the hotel. The blaze later reached the roofs of some of its country cabins.
"They abandoned us when we needed it most and we are still asking for help and no one listens to us," the 24-year-old told AFP.
Forest fires are common during the dry season in the Andean region near the equator, but conditions have grown more severe amid the current El Nino weather pattern, bringing drought and high temperatures. Colombia currently has about 18 active forest fires, according to the latest official data.
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