The fires in Nahuel Huapi National Park are still active. Almost three weeks have passed since the outbreak and a constant battle by the firefighters.
Specifically, the fire in Bariloche shows no mercy. Around 3500 hectares in the area have already been consumed. Additionally, the climatic conditions complicate the work of the firefighters in the area, similarly to what is happening in California.
Fires in Nahuel Huapi National Park: the devastating numbers
Although it is still unclear, according to local authorities, the fire may have started during an electrical storm in December.
It is estimated that a lightning strike hit one of the trees, and due to the inaccessibility of the area, the flames intensified rapidly.
Fire in Nahuel Huapi National Park. (Photo: National Parks).[/caption>
The deputy chief of the Forest Fire Prevention and Fighting Service (SPLIF) in Bariloche, Nelson Leal, described the situation as “dramatic.” The access from Los Rápidos to Circuito Cascada los Alerces will remain restricted until further notice, and only authorized vehicles will be allowed to circulate.
So far, the firefighters have explained that the most affected places are Cerro Colorado, Laguna Quetro, Los Manzanos, and Cerro Bastión.
To control the flames, more than 150 people have been mobilized, including 97 firefighters working directly on the front line. Additionally, over 80 citizens are involved in logistics, support, and transportation tasks.
SMN forecast
The latest report from the National Meteorological Service (SMN) revealed that the region is at orange levels for “very high fire risk,” so authorities are urging extreme caution.
The agency warned that, for the entire Monday, winds of 40 to 50 kilometers per hour are expected. However, they highlighted that there will be a significant drop in temperature for the rest of the week, with maximums not exceeding 20 degrees.
Forest fire alert in Tandil
Simultaneously, a large-scale forest fire broke out in the Cerro de la Cruz in Tandil in the last hours. The flames are spreading rapidly, affecting a significant area between this popular walk and Villa del Lago.
How firefighters work.
Firefighters are working intensely in the area while traffic remains restricted in the vicinity. The main access to the site of the incident, through Avenida López de Osornio, is under control to ensure the safety of the residents.
The extreme drought and high temperatures complicate extinction tasks, while the irregular terrain characteristics increase the challenge for emergency teams. Despite the efforts, the spread of the flames remains an imminent risk.
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