Aconquija forest fire burns nearly 300 hectares in Catamarca

A forest fire in the Aconquija area of the Andalgalá department, Catamarca, has burned approximately 296 hectares. The wildfire, which began on a Wednesday night, has been difficult to contain due to rugged topography and adverse weather conditions, specifically the Zonda wind.

Emergency response efforts involve the Catamarca Forest Fire Brigade, volunteer firefighters from Aconquija and Andalgalá, municipal personnel, and local workers. While low clouds have recently hindered visibility and aerial monitoring, ground teams continue to evaluate the fire's behavior. Authorities have issued a yellow alert for Zonda winds and are urging the community to exercise extreme caution to prevent new outbreaks.

In addition to the Aconquija blaze, the brigade has addressed four other forest fires in the Capital and Valle Viejo departments. This brings the total number of forest fires in the province to 165 so far this year, affecting roughly 6,568 hectares.