A major wildfire in central Colombia is threatening the historic town of Villa de Leyva. whose colonial architecture and cobblestone streets attract more than a million visitors each year. Flames have engulfed the San Marcos hillside above the town, burning about forty hectares of native forest and sending large smoke plumes across the area. The country’s president, Abelardo de la Espriella, pledged national resources to protect the town, while authorities are deploying aircraft, a military helicopter and additional firefighters from Bogotá and elsewhere. The fire comes as Colombia experiences severe drought and unusually high temperatures associated with a powerful El Niño weather pattern. Officials have reported eighteen active wildfires across the country, with dry vegetation increasing the danger of further outbreaks. El Niño is producing contrasting extremes across South America, contributing to drought and heat in northern areas while bringing heavier rainfall elsewhere.