Wildfires rage in Ecuadorian capital as soldiers sent to fight flames

Wildfires were raging in Ecuador's drought-stricken capital Quito on Wednesday after spreading from urban areas on the outskirts of the city, the country's civil protection agency said.

The agency said hundreds of firefighters, soldiers and police were fighting the flames, alongside helicopters, adding that around 100 families had already been brought to safety.

The South American country is experiencing the worst drought in around 60 years, according to the Ecuadorian meteorological service.

Electricity is currently being rationed as a result.

President Daniel Noba wrote on X that this situation "requires urgent decisions at all levels of government."

Noba cut short his visit to the UN General Assembly in New York, returning to Ecuador to oversee the situation.

He said it was possible that the latest fires were started deliberately, writing on X that "if it turns out that this was done intentionally, the perpetrators will be prosecuted for terrorism."