The Government of Neuquén and the Lanín National Park ordered the total and immediate evacuation of the Chiquilihuin community this Friday due to the advance of the fire in the Magdalena Valley area, posing a direct risk to homes, according to Noticias 7. The Operational Committee confirmed the decision through a statement, highlighting the severity of the incident that has mobilized hundreds of firefighters, brigadiers, and members of various provincial and national forces.
"We are taking key measures to stop the advance of the fire," said the Operational Committee. Afternoon and night operations will continue with brigadiers on the right flank of the fire. In addition, the Provincial Route 60 will be completely closed from the access to Chiquilihuin, and the Mamuil Malal Border Crossing will be closed until further notice. As part of the measures, the evacuation of tourists in the vicinity of the border crossing will be carried out.
The situation is under constant evaluation, and authorities have asked the population to take extreme precautions given the magnitude of the fire. In the words of the Operational Committee: "The priority is the safety of the residents and coordinated action to contain the fire." It is worth noting that more volunteer firefighters will join to strengthen efforts and continue extinguishing tasks in the affected area.
