Cantonal first responders as support personnel to the Riobamba fire department to control forest fires.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the participation of cantonal first responders in forest fire management in Riobamba, assessing their impact on reducing response times, containing the fire, and strengthening inter-institutional coordination, considering their role in risk mitigation and operational efficiency in emergencies that arise. To this end, a methodology based on a bibliographic review supported by academic sources, government reports, and technical documents was employed. The quality of the analysis was guaranteed through inclusion and exclusion criteria, ensuring that the data collected was relevant and up-to-date, and allowing for the identification of patterns in forest fire management.The results show that integrating first responders into risk management and conservation strategies contributes significantly to fire prevention and mitigation, highlighting reforestation, ongoing monitoring, and the incorporation of technological tools for early fire detection, thus optimizing response capacity.Likewise, inter-institutional coordination and decentralized response improve resource allocation, allowing for more efficient and coordinated management. Training community brigades is key to optimizing emergency response.Furthermore, ecological restoration and sustainable soil management are essential for reducing ecosystem vulnerability and strengthening environmental resilience. Therefore, territorial planning and the implementation of early warning systems are fundamental strategies for preventing and responding to forest fires.On the other hand, ecological restoration, sustainable soil management, and biodiversity conservation are essential for reducing ecosystem vulnerability and strengthening environmental resilience. These processes allow for the recovery of lost ecosystem services and ensure a natural balance. Therefore, territorial planning, the implementation of early warning systems, and climate change important.