In the Río Negro region, adverse climatic conditions have hindered the operation of aerial equipment and increased the risk of wildfires. According to Juan Carlos Martínez, president of the Firefighters Committee of El Bolsón, the situation is alarming and he describes the outlook as heartbreaking.
The fire originated near the Cajón del Azul trail and has spread towards areas of smallholdings and populated regions, approaching the Río Azul, where various communities, factories, and plantations are located. So far, it has affected the Machín area and access from Bariloche to El Bolsón via the road to Los Repollos.
In an interview for Radio Splendid, Martínez mentioned the difficulties faced by both local residents and the flora and fauna. He highlighted the social and environmental impact on the affected communities, with people having to leave their homes in the face of the imminent threat of fire. The firefighter emphasized the magnitude of the wildfires and the complexity of controlling them, despite the efforts of the brigadistas and the available aerial resources, such as helicopters and planes.
Martínez emphasized that the fire is difficult to contain once it has surpassed the initial critical moments, causing severe repercussions in the region. Emergency teams continue to work hard to combat the flames, although the task is extremely complicated given the scale of the fire.
