Colombia's Villa de Leyva forest fire spread into Iguaque flora and fauna sanctuary, one of Boyaca's most important ecosystems, on Sunday, authorities said.
Ubaldo Castro, director of Disaster Risk Management in Boyaca, said authorities suspect criminal hands were responsible for starting the fire. The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management is conducting investigations.
The Head of Protected Area in Colombia's National Natural Parks System, Luz Malaver, said 17 units from the Iguaque sanctuary are working to control the flames.
The fire, which started on Saturday, hasn't been contained due to intense winds, fast-moving flames reaching up to five meters high, and difficult access to the affected area.
More than 250 units from relief agencies, civil defence, red cross, army, police and firefighters are working to control the fire, supported by four helicopters with Bambi Bucket systems dropping water and fire retardant.