The fires in Patagonia bring worse news as the fire advances. The climatic conditions, with high temperatures and drought, cause the flames to spread rapidly and make the work of the firefighters more difficult.
Authorities confirmed that the focus in the central part of the Magdalena Valley, in the Lanín National Park, remains active and its size is 3500 hectares of mixed forest. How is the situation in Epuyén, Chubut, and Río Negro.
Fires in Patagonia: the situation in Lanín Park
With the increase in temperature, low humidity, and west winds, several foci with smoke columns have increased.
It is important to note that for the moment the fire in Lanín does not affect populated areas or public use areas.
The operation faces enormous difficulties on the ground, as there are high hills combined with dense dry cane vegetation and large trees. This creates a complex and risky environment that complicates the work and demands a great effort from the firefighters.
Intensive work was carried out with coordinated actions in various sectors: on the tail, right flank, and left flank at the head. The machines created indirect defense lines on the right flank, aerial means of the National Fire Management Service (helicopter and AT) released water shots.
According to authorities, due to the fire behavior and for personnel safety, it was decided to relocate the personnel camp around 19:00.
This Monday, there is a increase in wind and the presence of smoke in the area, so it is requested to allow emergency vehicles to transit on provincial route No. 60.
Forest fires: how the main foci are progressing
The fires in the Mallín Ahogado area, in El Bolsón, claimed a fatality: Ángel Reyes, an 84-year-old man who had refused to evacuate.
The fire has already consumed 2700 hectares and more than 70 houses since it started on Thursday due to human causes. Around 800 tourists were evacuated from mountain shelters.
In the Nahuel Huapi National Park, the high temperatures, strong winds, and lack of precipitation have hindered containment efforts, causing concern among authorities and fire management specialists.
From the National Parks Administration, it was reported that the affected surface continues to be evaluated, although the active foci are mainly located in the El Manso area.
The fire is advancing in areas with difficult access, complicating the task of firefighters and limiting the use of aerial resources. Faced with this situation, preventive measures have been reinforced, and the use of fire in all park areas has been prohibited until further notice.
They confirm they were intentional
The governors of the provinces of Chubut, Ignacio Torres, and Río Negro, Alberto Weretilneck, confirmed on Sunday that the fires declared in the towns of Epuyén and El Bolsón were intentional, and they promised to go “to the end of the consequences” to punish those responsible.
It was determined that the fire started at the rear of School No. 9 Mariano Moreno, and evidence of recent human intervention was found in the area.
With the help of a specialized dog, the presence of accelerants was detected, reinforcing the intentionality hypothesis.
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