In Chubut, a new fire has emerged near Puerto Madryn and is currently out of control, spreading rapidly due to strong winds. The fire started in a rural area north of Puerto Madryn and has covered more than 50 square kilometers. According to initial reports, the flames began after a lightning strike during a storm in the early hours of Thursday. The fire threatens a rural area near Route 1, with the risk of expanding towards Route 2, which has led firefighters to redouble their efforts, despite gusts of wind between 70 and 80 kilometers per hour complicating emergency operations.
In another report, the fire that started in Epuyén remains active, especially in the area of the Cerro Gladys Canyon, which is difficult for firefighters to access. While they have managed to contain the left flank, the flames are advancing in other areas and have devastated more than 3,000 hectares of planted forest, native forest, shrubs, and grasslands. It is suspected that the fire was intentional, a hypothesis supported by Governor Ignacio Torres, who pointed to alleged members of the Mapuche community as responsible.
In Atilio Viglione, a small rural municipality in Chubut, the fire has consumed 1,052 hectares, fueled by high temperatures and strong winds. Firefighters continue working in the area from the right flank towards the head of the fire, using machinery provided by the National Fire Management Service.