The critical situation in Valle Magdalena in Neuquén due to forest fires
As a result, the smoke is hindering aerial combat operations. The situation in Valle Magdalena, in Neuquén, due to the forest fires remains critical. In the last hours, the large amount of smoke is preventing the water-dropping helicopters from taking off in Lanín National Park, making firefighting tasks difficult.
Authorities reported that aerial operations will only be able to resume when visibility conditions improve.
This weekend, the weather conditions have been working against the coordinated efforts of ground and aerial firefighters, complicating the fire control.
Due to the erratic behavior of the flames, which spread rapidly across the territory, the Chiquilihuin community was preemptively evacuated.
The authorities warned that weather conditions could either improve or worsen the situation, making it crucial to make proper use of all available resources on the ground.
Regarding the local population, the provincial Government recommended taking all precautions to prevent the spread of new fire outbreaks.
The smoke sneaks through the hills, covers the sky, and makes the air in Lanín National Park unbreathable. The fire in Valle Magdalena, according to the latest report, destroyed around 15,000 hectares in the National Park and 3,400 in El Bolsón, where 1,500 families were evacuated.
Despite the relentless work of the firefighters, the situation remains critical and the fire shows no mercy.
Smoke hinders aerial firefighting efforts
Throughout Saturday, 250 firefighters and 150 personnel in technical, logistical, and communication tasks tried to halt the fire’s advance using hand tools, water lines, and heavy machinery.
However, meteorological conditions continue to be a determining factor: the cloud cover and smoke are currently preventing the use of aerial resources until there is better visibility.
Access to the area remains completely restricted. Provincial Route 60 remains closed from the entrance to the Chiquilihuín community to the border crossing, and Paso Mamuil Malal remains disabled until further notice. The public use of the Tromen area is also completely closed.
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