Last year, Ecuador experienced the worst drought in 60 years amid the climate crisis. As the land across the country became extremely dry, more than 5,000 wildfires broke out, causing power outages and prolonged periods of smoke-filled cities. Due to a shortage of firefighting equipment, suppression efforts were delayed, leading to greater damage. On November 18, 2024, the Ecuadorian government declared a national state of emergency in response to wildfires.

At that time, Orlin Madrid Cepeda, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Ecuador in Korea, sent a letter to Zahng Gil-jah, Honorary Chairwoman of WeLoveU, stating that “the country is facing severe difficulties due to wildfires occurring in metropolitan areas,” and respectfully requested humanitarian assistance.

WeLoveU promptly assessed the situation through its local chapter and pledged support for wildfire damage relief.

Subsequently, on December 11, members of the Quito chapter in Ecuador visited the National Risk Management Service. After consulting with officials on the most appropriate form of assistance, they decided to provide firefighting protective equipment to support early wildfire suppression and ensure firefighter safety amid the climate crisis.

Firefighting protective equipment is made from specialized materials and must meet strict safety standards; therefore, its production took several months and involved overseas manufacturing. After production was completed, WeLoveU members promptly inspected the items and carefully packaged them for delivery.

Donation Ceremony

On October 27, 2025, a donation ceremony for the firefighting protective equipment was held at the event hall of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador.

WeLoveU delivered 23 sets of firefighting protective equipment—including fire-resistant suits, helmets, gloves, and goggles—to the National Risk Management Service. The organization expressed hope that the equipment would support the rapid suppression of increasingly frequent wildfires caused by the climate crisis. Officials from the National Risk Management Service, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Quito Fire Department attended the event and expressed their appreciation for WeLoveU’s contribution to addressing the climate crisis.

“Today, we have gathered in a meaningful place that symbolizes international solidarity and cooperation. Last year, Ecuador experienced more than 5,800 wildfires across 20 provinces, and due to extreme heat and drought, some regions issued a ‘red alert,’ indicating the highest level of risk. The National Risk Management Service activated international cooperation channels in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, as a result, received warm support from WeLoveU. This firefighting protective equipment will greatly enhance firefighter safety and on-site response capacity, thereby strengthening the nation’s disaster response capability. This valuable support will also serve as an opportunity to further strengthen the ties between the Republic of Korea and Ecuador.”

Jorge Raúl Carrillo Tutivén, Secretary of the National Risk Management Service

“WeLoveU has carried out various social and humanitarian activities in cooperation with Ecuadorian government institutions. In particular, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it donated personal protective equipment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other public institutions, and provided 190 water tanks to several coastal regions, greatly supporting public health, hygiene, and recovery from flood damage. Today, once again, it has donated equipment worth 34,000 dollars for firefighters. On behalf of the Ecuadorian government, I express my sincere gratitude to the International WeLoveU Foundation. We highly appreciate the positive impact WeLoveU has made in our country and its continued efforts for international cooperation.”

María Gabriela Sommerfeld Rosero, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Lieutenant Colonel Washington Bolívar Arce Rodríguez, Deputy Chief of the Quito Metropolitan Fire Department, said, “The equipment we received enables our firefighters to perform their duties more safely and efficiently, and it greatly supports our efforts to protect citizens’ lives and preserve the environment,” expressing his gratitude to Zahng Gil-jah, Honorary Chairwoman of WeLoveU.

Choi Gi-cheol, Head of WeLoveU’s Quito Chapter, said, “When wildfires spread across Ecuador due to severe drought, we deeply admired the courage and sacrifice of Ecuadorian firefighters who faced the flames at great personal risk.” He added, “We hope this equipment will be of some help in supporting firefighting efforts.”

Members of WeLoveU also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to take part in this meaningful initiative and said they would continue contributing to overcoming disasters caused by the climate crisis.

Members of WeLoveU also expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to take part in this meaningful initiative and said they would continue contributing to overcoming disasters caused by the climate crisis.

Lucio Marcelo Chongo Grefa, Commander of the Archidona Fire Department, said, “We had trained firefighting personnel but lacked proper firefighting suits,” adding, “We sincerely thank WeLoveU for donating these much-needed items.”

One firefighter said, “Firefighting protective equipment is a great help to personnel in the field. Now that we are equipped with certified gear, we will be able to respond to wildfires more quickly and effectively.”

Amid the climate crisis, we hope that firefighting protective equipment will support efforts to respond to wildfire damage in Ecuador.

WeLoveU will continue to support the swift recovery of communities around the world affected by disasters caused by rapid climate change.