In Argentina, fires continue to ravage Los Alerces National Park

No casualties have been reported for the moment, but nearly 7,000 hectares of the Los Alerces site, in the province of Chubut, classified as a UNESCO world heritage site, have gone up in smoke since January 25, and firefighters still struggling to control the fire. 

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Forest fire in Los Alerces National Park, in the province of Chubut, Argentina, January 29, 2024. AFP - MARTIN LEVICOY

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From our correspondent in Buenos Aires

, 

Théo Conscience

The Alerces currently burning in the park of the same name, in

Argentina

, are giant trees that can live more than 3,000 years. Thousands of them have already gone up in smoke due to fires fanned by wind and record temperatures in Argentine Patagonia in recent weeks.

“

The wind caused an exponential increase in areas affected by fires. Unfortunately, there is no rain forecast for the next few days, so our priority is to protect areas that are close to urban centers

,” explains Ignacio Torres, governor of Chubut province.

Four planes, three helicopters and nearly 450 people are mobilized to fight the fires. On Monday February 5, families had to be evacuated as the flames approached the town of Esquel.

There is a lot of anxiety and even more so with what is happening in Chile, acknowledged the governor of the province at a press conference, while nevertheless wanting to be reassuring. “

It is important to convey our peace of mind that we are able to evacuate all areas where the fires could approach

,” he continues. 

Although the cause of these fires has not yet been formally identified, the authorities strongly suspect that it was intentional in nature. 

Also read: The southern cone of Latin America in the grip of extreme heat and fires

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