Wildfires in Argentina burn 3,000 hectares, kill one, evacuate 800 near El Bolson

A deadly wildfire in Argentina's Patagonia region has burned approximately 3,000 hectares of land, killing one person and forcing the evacuation of over 800 residents near the town of El Bolson. The fire began on Thursday in the Cajon del Azul hiking area, about 20 kilometers north of El Bolson, and spread rapidly due to high summer temperatures, strong winds, and dry conditions. The fire, which is still burning, has destroyed large swaths of forested land and affected residential areas.

The fire's rapid spread has prompted authorities to take immediate action to protect the population. The provincial government of Rio Negro confirmed that more than 800 people were evacuated from the affected areas. Emergency services are working to ensure the safety of residents and contain the fire, which continues to threaten other parts of the region. As of now, local officials have not reported any additional casualties beyond the initial fatality.

The tragic death of a local man, who died from cardiac arrest after inhaling wildfire smoke inside his home, was confirmed by Bruno Pogliano, the mayor of El Bolson. The man, whose identity has not been publicly released, passed away as a result of the intense smoke in the area. While authorities have not disclosed further details, this incident highlights the health risks associated with such wildfires, which can severely affect residents, especially those in close proximity to the flames.

In response to the escalating fire, a state of emergency was declared in the Rio Negro province on Friday. The state of emergency imposes a ban on open fires and increases fire prevention and surveillance measures through April 30. These measures are intended to reduce the risk of further fires and to provide emergency responders with the necessary resources to combat the ongoing wildfire. The local government has also urged residents to stay alert and comply with evacuation orders to minimize further harm.

Efforts to contain the fire are ongoing, with firefighters, emergency personnel, and other authorities working tirelessly to control the flames. However, the fire’s progression remains unpredictable due to the favorable weather conditions for fire spread, including high temperatures and strong winds. As of now, there is no clear timeline for when the fire will be fully contained, and authorities are closely monitoring the situation, providing regular updates to the public.