In the Chubut locality of Epuyén, the fire affecting the El Pedregoso area has been 80 percent contained, thanks to the containment efforts carried out by firefighters. According to Noticias Argentinas, authorities have estimated that the fire focus has a low probability of spreading. However, they have warned of a "complicated" fire season ahead for the entire Patagonian region due to the arrival of summer, which intensifies the risk of fires. Meanwhile, the province's Secretary of Forests, Abel Nievas, stated to the local press that "thanks to the work and also natural barriers, the advance has been stopped by 80 percent". He noted that "there are hot spots in the upper part, but with no risk of propagation". The flames originated on Monday afternoon, allegedly due to the negligence of a tourist, although this has not been officially confirmed. The local prosecutor's office has launched an investigation to determine the causes of the blaze, which has destroyed about 200 hectares of native forest. For this reason, specialized experts have already taken samples from the land in the San Francisco subdivision, in search of any accelerant. Likewise, security cameras in the area, where there are several cabin complexes, are being analyzed, and the presence of potential witnesses has been requested.
