The story of Chaupi, the dog who survived a forest fire and became an icon of Quito | Ecuador | News

Chaupi Molino still has fear in his eyes, even though he has become a hero for holding on to life and surviving a disaster. Devastating fires. Now this is the image of the “Together Against Fire” forest fire prevention campaign led by the Quito Fire Department (CBQ).

CBQ commander Esteban Cárdenas shared Chopi’s moving story while promoting the campaign.

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A fire broke out in front of the red roof on Interoceánica Avenue, in the Chaupimolino neighborhood, in the Pifo parish, on August 20, 2023. While extinguishing the fire, firefighters received information that a dog was trapped in the fire.

“We looked for him for about 30 to 45 minutes but couldn’t find him,” Cardenas recalled. “Around 6:00 p.m., we were assessing the day and suddenly, a puppy came close to our legs; when we came back to check, he was almost lying on the floor with burns on half of his body, limbs and genitals.”

Chaupi, as he is called, was not a stray dog; however, his owner showed no interest in his well-being after the incident. The firefighters decided to take him to treat his injuries. “Chaupi recovered for a month. Then he went to the canine ward, and when he recovered, he came to us almost immediately,” Cardenas explained.

Although Chaupi was unable to undergo search dog training due to trauma and insecurities, he has become a valuable partner to Commander Cardenas and the rest of the CBQ team.

“Chaupi is with me 90 percent of the time. He took office on Thursday and now on the campaign trail he has a media tour, but beyond that he is a symbol of the damage that human irresponsibility can cause,” commented Cardenas.

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The fire that injured Chopi was caused by burning coal underground, a dangerous practice that resulted in disciplinary action that remains pending.

Chaupi, who turned two on August 29, has spent a year with the firefighters. His story not only highlights the need for empathy and responsibility, but also the importance of fire prevention.

Although Chaupi was unable to receive rescuer training, his presence at the CBQ headquarters is a constant reminder of resilience and recovery. “He is a well-educated pet who respects the rules of conduct. We want him to be a role model in life,” Cardenas added.

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The dog has therefore become a reference for the CBQ, a symbol that reminds the firefighters of the passion and importance of their work. “Choppy Molino is his first and last name, and although I was going to give him Cardenas as his second last name, I don’t think they would allow me to do that,” the commander said with a smile.

The “Together We Prevent Fire” campaign aims to raise awareness among citizens about the importance of preventing forest fires and protecting local flora and fauna. Chaupi tells a story of survival and hope, becoming a symbol of this struggle and a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for our environment.

The campaign included citizen assemblies, training and the formation of community brigades in vulnerable areas such as Tombaco and Chiche Bridge. These activities aimed to prepare citizens to act effectively when forest fires occur, promoting early warning systems and community shared responsibility. (I)