Wildfires in south Argentina rip through nearly 12,000 hectares of forest, threatening communities
AP News••world
Key Points:
- Wildfires in Argentine Patagonia have burned nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and forests, threatening communities, a power plant, and a school in Chubut province.
- Authorities suspect one of the largest fires was deliberately set, with Governor Ignacio Torres offering a 50 million peso reward for information leading to the culprit.
- Around 295 firefighters, including 15 aerial units and military support, are actively combating the fires amid challenging drought and strong winds.
- Additional wildfires are active in Neuquen, while fires in Santa Cruz and Rio Negro are contained but still under emergency status.
- The current wildfires follow severe blazes last year that destroyed homes and caused one death, highlighting the region's vulnerability during the austral
