The Argentine Patagonia continues to be affected by forest fires that broke out in recent weeks in the provinces of Neuquén and Río Negro.
The Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development deployed an operation to combat the flames that affected more than 1,300 hectares in the town of Aluminé and forced the evacuation of families in Bariloche.
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Thunderstorms sparked the fires. Two weeks ago in Lake Martin, about 70 kilometers south of Bariloche, the fire began to break out and advanced towards the Lake Steffen area, for which the National Parks administration ordered the evacuation of the families living in the surrounding area. .
As reported by the “Río Negro” portal, four families had to be evacuated in a preventive manner, including the park ranger of the branch who lives in the area.
Meanwhile, in Neuquén, the fires also continue in the town of Aluminé. As stated by the mayor of the town, Gabriel Álamo, most of the fire “covers native flora and fauna.” “So far there are 1,300 hectares that are burned,” he specified.
Source: Infobae
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Around 100 agents work in the territory, including national and provincial brigade members, personnel from the National Parks Administration and logistical support for the different fire management tasks.
This was reinforced with the operation of two fire hydrant planes, two helicopters, ground support vehicles, water equipment installed to wet flanks and the use of chainsaws and hand tools for attack on the ground, indicated the National Fire Management Service (SNMF). ).
In communication with “Todo Noticias”, in the early hours of this Wednesday, Álamo indicated that the main focus “is active, it is not controlled” and that “very hot days, with temperatures around 29 degrees, and the wind, make it difficult to the job”.
As he described, the fire occurred from lightning, and its spread is due to “drought and high temperatures.” “A human effort is being made, there are no rain forecasts for the next few days, everything will be a human effort,” she stressed.
According to the data from the SNMF report, it is estimated that 302,451.67 hectares were affected throughout the country between January 1 and December 2, 2021.
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Source: Infobae