Wildfire rages in Ecuador's drought-stricken capital

Smoke rises as a wildfire burns, in Quito, Ecuador September 24, 2024. REUTERS/Karen Toro

QUITO (Reuters) - A raging wildfire filled Ecuador's capital of Quito with smoke and threatened homes on Tuesday as authorities rushed to control the blaze at a time when a historic drought has stretched resources and patience.

President Daniel Noboa said the armed forces had been deployed to fight the fire, which started around midday in the bohemian Guapulo neighborhood and gradually spread to nearby residences and forested areas.