This week, four Argentinian national parks faced forest fires simultaneously.
Córdoba is the most affected province with 6,000 hectares destroyed in the area of Quebrada del Condorito National Park and several active fire spots.
Furthermore, the fire continues to advance over the Yungas Jungle in Jujuy, while National Parks “monitors the progress of a new front near the Nogalar de Los Toldos Reserve and Baritú National Park, in Salta.”
Finally, the fire that started days ago in the Iberá National Park, in Corrientes, has been extinguished.
This concerning national scenario is exacerbated by high temperatures and drought that complicate the work of the firefighters.
Quebrada del Condorito: 6,000 hectares devastated
The Quebrada del Condorito National Park in Córdoba presents the most critical situation.
The fire affected 6,000 hectares of grasslands and forests, with two active sites:
- one in the Balcón Sur area, and;
- another towards the Altas Cumbres route.
After more than a week fighting the fire, a recent cold front brought precipitation that improved conditions for combat.
“The rest of the fire perimeter is contained thanks to the efforts of the past few days,” reported the Communications Directorate of National Parks.
Around 45 agents, from APN and the province, are working in the area using water equipment, hand tools, aerial means, and ground mobility.
Calilegua: fire enters the jungle
The fire in the Calilegua National Park in Jujuy crossed National Route 34 and entered the protected area jurisdiction yesterday, affecting the Yungas Jungle.
The meteorological conditions hinder combat, with high temperatures and strong winds.
18 APN firefighters are working on one flank and 30 national SNMF firefighters along with provincial personnel on another.
The affected area reaches 190 hectares within the park and 1,300 hectares in total.
The fire is approaching an area with difficult access and old explosive depots associated with oil activity.
Actions are carried out under the Fire Management Plan protocol, prioritizing personnel safety.
Iberá extinguished, alert in Baritú
The fire in the Iberá National Park in Corrientes, originated by an electric discharge, was declared extinguished after the last flyover of the affected area.
In Salta, a fire was detected in the high area of El Condado, near the Condado-La Mamora International Bridge on the border with Bolivia.
Although it is still far from the Nogalar Reserve of Los Toldos and Baritú National Park, there is a preventive alert for possible advance towards rural communities.
Resource coordination is carried out jointly between DLIFE, the Federal Emergency Agency, the National Fire Management Service, and provincial authorities.
Greenpeace demands more resources to fight fire
Greenpeace expressed concern about forest fires and demanded more prevention, firefighters, and infrastructure from the national government.
“High temperatures, drought, and the climate crisis are causing an increase in forest fires,” warned Hernán Giardini, coordinator of Greenpeace’s Forests campaign.
And he warned: “To make matters worse, the national government defunded the Forest Law and the National Fire Management Fund.”
The organization pointed out that National Parks workers report having only half of the necessary firefighters.
It is estimated that 95% of forest fires are caused by human actions</strong
