Initially, this measure included 22 schools, but on Thursday afternoon the Ministry of Education extended the list to 32 institutions.

The schools are located in the parishes of Llano Chico, Nayon, Pifo, Puembo, Chilibulo, Tumbaco and Zámbiza, the most affected by the forest fires that have been active since Wednesday afternoon.

The Ministry of Education detailed that in order to avoid health risks it has decided to stop classes due to the intensity of the flames and the smoke columns that covered the city, affecting air quality.

The mayor of Quito, Pabel Muñoz, requested an investigation on the causes of these fires and “to rule out any attack against the city”.

Muñoz affirmed that two hypotheses are being considered, irresponsible burning and a deliberate action to start the flames, and he described those responsible as criminals because “the lives of people and animals have been put at risk, the quality of Quito’s air has been affected, the flora and fauna and productive activities have been attacked”, he denounced.

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