Argentina: 6,500 hectares of forest ravaged by fires in the south of the country

A large fire, still ongoing, has already devastated more than 6,500 hectares of forest in southern Argentina, local authorities announced on Tuesday.

The disaster, whose origin has not yet been determined, occurred in the region of El Bolson, a town of 18,000 inhabitants, in the province of Rio Negro (south).

To read also: Forest fire in Gironde: 130 ha consumed, LGV disrupted

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" Nicolas D'Agostino, an official of

, told the local press. Provincial Forest Fire Prevention and Control Service (SPLIF).

Four firefighters, out of the hundred professionals mobilized alongside volunteers and residents, were slightly injured, announced the provincial government. Drought, high temperatures, high winds and the rugged terrain of the area complicate the work of the firefighters, supported by two helicopters and a water bomber plane. For now, the most populated areas have been spared by the flames.