The San Fernando Cantonal Emergency Operations Committee (COE) has declared a state of emergency due to fires at the Laguna de Busa tourist site and San Pablo hill. They have requested aerial support from the Armed Forces, including an aircraft equipped with a so-called bambi bucket, and assistance in forming work fronts. Additionally, they are coordinating with the police and prosecutor's office regarding environmental crimes and requesting resources from the Azuay prefecture.

These measures aim to mitigate the fires and protect the safety of the residents of the San Fernando canton.

Ecuador regularly has to deal with ash from volcanoes, especially in the central part of the country. The nuisance is much less in the north and south.

Ash does not only irritate the respiratory system and the eyes, but it can also be toxic. It is therefore important to avoid ash as much as possible.

What to do in case of falling ash?

• If you have respiratory problems, do not handle the ash and avoid leaving the house.
• When leaving a building home, cover your nose with a mask and your eyes with glasses.
• Cover water tanks to avoid contamination.
• Close doors and windows to keep ash out of your home. Place damp towels at door thresholds and other draft sources.
• Don't store food out in the open.
• When removing the ash, it's preferable to use a vacuum cleaner or to sweep carefully with a soft bristle broom. Use a mask when cleaning.
• It is better not to use water because ash forms a hard paste that can clog the pipes when it dries. You can clean surfaces with water when the ash has been removed.
• Use a separate garbage bag to dispose of ash.
• Don't drive a vehicle if there's ash in the air. Ash can easily damage your vehicle's motor.