08:49 | Cusco (Cusco region), Oct. 6.
Given the increase in forest blazes registered in Peru's southeastern Cusco region, the
Decentralized Culture Directorate (DDC) placed archaeological parks, areas, and sites on permanent alert to strengthen prevention, monitoring, communication, coordination, and immediate response efforts in the event of any emergency that could put cultural heritage at risk.
The measure entails the permanent deployment of institutional brigades, conservation staff, and security personnel, who remain alert to act promptly in the event of fires in areas near or within heritage sites.
DDC head Ursula Paz warned that forest blazes pose a serious threat to the region's cultural heritage, particularly during the season when dry vegetation is most prevalent.
"Fire can destroy in a matter of hours what has stood for centuries. When a blaze affects an archaeological structure, the damage can be irreversible and result in the loss of unique evidence of our history," she indicated.
Call to citizens
In this regard, the DDC official called on citizens, particularly community members and farmers, to avoid burning grasslands, agricultural crop residue, and dry vegetation, as these practices can cause large-scale blazes that can quickly spread to archaeological sites and areas of cultural heritage value.
"We urge the population to act responsibly and avoid any practice that could trigger a blaze," Paz stated.
"Protecting our heritage is everyone's responsibility; once fire destroys archaeological evidence, there is no way to restore it to its original state," she emphasized.
The institution urges citizens to refrain from burning grasslands or agricultural crop residue and to immediately report any emergency that could affect archaeological areas, thereby contributing to the protection of a heritage that belongs to all Peruvians.
(END) PHS/JOT/MVB
Published: 10/6/2026