A fire has devastated over 22,000 hectares in the Magdalena Valley, near the Lanín volcano in Neuquén. This fire has affected not only nature but also the Mapuche and Creole communities that depend on the land for their survival. Lives spanning hundreds of years have been consumed in this disaster, deeply impacting the families that occupy this region.
The fire has reached areas close to Mapuche and Creole communities, who have had to evacuate their lands and summer pastures in the face of the fire's threat. The wildfire has sparked a mobilization of local volunteers, both from Chiquiulehuin and Linares, who are joining institutional efforts to combat the fire.
The impact of the fire does not distinguish between jurisdictions or properties, affecting both private establishments and public lands. The Mapuche community in Linares has been particularly affected, losing pastures and seeing their wintering lands threatened. The situation has worsened due to high temperatures, west winds, and the accumulation of combustible material from years of drought.
Local volunteers have been dedicated to defending their lands and combating the fire, while the institutional response has been questioned for its lack of foresight and coordination. The long-term effects of this fire on the flora and fauna of the region are devastating, endangering not only biodiversity but also the livelihoods of local communities.
Despite the efforts of brigadistas and volunteers, the fire remains active and is expected to be controlled only with the arrival of autumn. Meanwhile, affected communities will have to face an impending crisis, with the loss of pastures and the evacuation of their lands. The solidarity and determination of local people are crucial in the fight against this natural disaster that has left a profound scar in the Magdalena Valley.
