Mar del Plata and neighboring cities are suffering from major forest fires that have already destroyed more than 200 hectares, according to firefighters and police. According to information from the Argentine News Agency, some of the fires are under control, but there is concern due to the strong winds common in the affected areas. Between Sunday and Monday, three major outbreaks were reported: one in the Acantilados area and two in rural areas near the borders of the Partido de General Pueyrredon district with Balcarce and General Alvarado districts. It is known that more than 200 hectares of grasslands have already been consumed by fire in the various incidents. A major firefighter operation was launched to combat the flames, involving firefighters from various points in the province of Buenos Aires, along with Civil Defense personnel. Local teams were joined by units from: Balcarce, Maipú, General Pirán, Lezama, Castelli, Chascomús, and Loma Verde. Thanks to the joint effort, the fire focus was able to be controlled, although it has not yet been completely extinguished and remains active. Fire also in El Marquesado Another major fire was recorded in the El Marquesado area, near the border with the General Alvarado district. In this sector, three firefighter crews are working, along with personnel from: Argentine Coast Guard, Obras Sanitarias Sociedad del Estado (OSSE), Civil Defense. In this case, in addition to dropping water on the flames, tractor plowing work was done to create firebreaks and prevent the fire from advancing. Although the teams managed to contain part of the fire, the flames remain active in some areas, so efforts to completely control the situation in the Mar del Plata area continue. In total, more than 50,000 liters of water were dropped on the active hotspots. One of the most significant fires occurred near the toll booth on Highway 226, where fourteen fire trucks worked.
