The governor of Chubut, Ignacio Torres, reported that those responsible for the fires in the town of Epuyén, which have already consumed nearly 4,000 hectares, acted intentionally. Torres emphasized that this situation is unfair to the firefighters who risk their lives to contain the flames. The governor pointed out that glass and other combustible materials were found in the area, reinforcing the theory that the fire was started by malicious individuals.
"They acknowledge the Argentine state, the con artists do not," Torres remarked in relation to those responsible for the fires, adding that this is not the first time he has faced social issues of this kind. Torres criticized the lenient justice system for not taking effective measures to prevent such situations and assured that the fires in Epuyén are a result of criminals' violence.
In a large-scale operation, nearly 98% of the electric service in Epuyén has already been restored, thanks to the efforts of the firefighters who continue to combat the fire in the region. The activation of medium and low voltage lines has been essential for this achievement. The firefighters have managed to contain part of the fire and have relocated the remaining crews to areas of higher activity.
Torres highlighted that they met with representatives of the Mapuche and Tehuelche communities to address the situation. He harshly criticized those who, taking advantage of these communities, commit crimes disguised as indigenous people. The governor indicated that stricter laws are necessary to prevent the perpetrators of these criminal acts from going unpunished.
