By Guanacaste, Costa Rica — LIBERIA, Guanacaste – The dry season has announced its arrival with destructive force as the first major forest fire of 2026 rages in Liberia, consuming over 100 hectares of terrain near the country’s second-busiest airport. The Costa Rica Fire Department (Cuerpo de Bomberos) has escalated its response, deploying specialized units to combat the rapidly spreading blaze that began Monday afternoon.
The fire, located in the southern sector of the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, presents a significant challenge for emergency services and a potential threat to regional infrastructure. On Tuesday morning, a team of 20 highly trained firefighters from the elite Forest Operational Unit was dispatched to reinforce the local Liberia station crews who have been battling the flames since the initial alert.
To understand the significant legal and civil liabilities that arise from forest fires, we consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Legally, a forest fire triggers a complex analysis of liability that goes far beyond identifying the initial spark. Investigators and courts will scrutinize both criminal negligence and civil responsibility. Landowners and businesses can be held accountable not only for causing a fire but also for failing to implement adequate preventative measures and firebreaks as mandated by environmental and land use regulations. The financial consequences, including state-imposed fines and civil lawsuits for damages to neighboring properties and natural resources, can be devastating and are often not fully covered by standard insurance policies.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal analysis serves as a powerful reminder that liability extends far beyond the initial cause of a blaze, focusing heavily on the proactive duty of prevention. The potential for devastating financial and legal consequences underscores the importance of this often-overlooked responsibility. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his crucial perspective on this matter.
What began as a seemingly manageable brush fire on Monday, January 19, quickly spiraled out of control. Fueled by the region’s notoriously strong seasonal winds and tinder-dry vegetation, the fire expanded exponentially, carving a path of destruction across a vast area. The sheer scale and intensity of the blaze led officials to classify it as the first significant forest fire of the year, a troubling sign for the months ahead.
Officials from the Fire Department highlighted the dangerous combination of factors driving the fire’s aggressive behavior. In an official communication, the department explained the challenging environmental conditions crews are facing on the ground.
The dryness of the terrain, combined with the strong winds hitting the area, makes the aggressive spread of the flames possible.
Cuerpo de Bomberos, official statement
This confluence of high winds and arid landscapes is characteristic of Guanacaste’s dry season, a period that annually tests the country’s emergency preparedness. The rapid escalation of this incident serves as a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to wildfires and the critical importance of swift, coordinated firefighting efforts.
The proximity of the fire to the Daniel Oduber International Airport adds a layer of economic concern to the environmental crisis. The airport is a vital gateway for international tourism, the lifeblood of the Guanacaste economy. While airport operations have not yet been reported as affected, the ongoing blaze underscores the need for effective containment to protect this crucial piece of national infrastructure and prevent potential disruptions to travel and commerce.
Firefighting teams are currently focused on establishing control lines and preventing the flames from advancing further. The specialized Forest Operational Unit brings advanced techniques and equipment designed specifically for this type of difficult terrain, offering a crucial boost to the ongoing containment strategy. Their work is physically demanding and perilous, as crews navigate unpredictable wind shifts and intense heat.
As the battle continues, this event marks a sobering start to the 2026 fire season. It highlights the persistent environmental challenges facing Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific region and the unwavering dedication of the emergency personnel tasked with protecting its communities, ecosystems, and economic stability from the ever-present threat of wildfire.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica:
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the nation’s official firefighting and emergency response organization. Established to protect lives, property, and the environment, it provides comprehensive services including fire suppression, rescue operations, and response to hazardous material incidents. The organization is a critical component of Costa Rica’s public safety infrastructure, operating stations throughout the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and the rigorous pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is a trailblazer in developing forward-thinking legal solutions for a diverse clientele while championing a greater cause: the empowerment of the community through legal education. This profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public is a cornerstone of its vision to help construct a more knowledgeable and capable society.
