Footage showed flames consuming trees and thick smoke rising into the night sky, while emergency vehicles operated nearby.

Strong winds and dry vegetation from lack of rain have propelled the blaze on Casitagua, a peak in northern Quito, forcing 48 people to flee as a precautionary measure, according to city authorities.

Nine wildfires broke out on Thursday alone, with firefighters managing to bring seven of them under control, the Quito Fire Department said.

"We are working by air and land to contain the fire... to reduce the risk of damage or spread to nearby homes," the department said.

Jefferson Mera from the fire department said emergency services were battling mountainous terrain to reach the blaze.

"There are some fires, like this one, that are very difficult to tackle because of accessibility," he told reporters.

Flames rising from Casitagua were visible across the city, which was already on alert this week due to another fire in the central district.

Quito security chief Carolina Andrade said the fires had a "very severe, painful impact" on vegetation in the capital.

"We estimate that close to 200 hectares (500 acres) may already be affected," she said.

There have been no reports of injuries or damage to nearby homes.

City authorities have recorded nearly 200 wildfires between June and September, destroying about 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of forest in the capital.

Four people faced legal action for starting wildfires, including one sentenced to six months in prison.