Chilecito Forest Fire Declared Extinguished After Coordinated Response

The provincial emergency system announced that the forest fire affecting the Guanchín area and the Sierra de Famatina in the Chilecito department of Argentina has been declared extinguished. After intensive monitoring with high‑resolution equipment confirmed no active hotspots, authorities ordered the closure of ground operations and the withdrawal of personnel.

The operation involved forest brigades, volunteer firefighters, provincial emergency staff, police, municipal teams, health workers and the National Forest Fire Service, supported by aerial assets when weather permitted. No fatalities or major property damage were reported, and the coordinated effort was credited with preventing loss of life despite challenging wind conditions.

Director of the Provincial Emergency System David Barrera highlighted the complexity of the fire’s behavior due to the Zonda wind and praised the joint response that contained the blaze without significant human or material loss.