Forest fires grip Colombia as drought intensifies

Firefighters in Colombia battled strong forest fires on Tuesday and Wednesday. Authorities have prioritized their efforts in areas near the city of Cali and the Antioquia region. The dramatic fires near Cali were largely brought under control. Officials have not rejected reports that the fires were deliberately lit, but drought conditions have also been blamed for the strength and spread of the fires. There have not yet been reports of injuries and preliminary estimates put damage from the fire about 30 hectares.