Catriel municipal building destroyed by major fire

A major fire destroyed a historical municipal building in Catriel, Río Negro, during the early hours of Thursday, August 27. The structure, located in former YPF pavilions from the 1970s, housed the Municipal Secretariat of Social Development and the recently inaugurated Regional Center for Higher University Studies (CRESU).

While no injuries were reported, the material losses are described as total. The fire consumed essential documentation, social assistance files for vulnerable residents, and significant supplies, including clothing, mattresses, blankets, and food intended for community distribution. The building's construction, featuring highly flammable materials like wood and pressed cardboard, facilitated the rapid spread of the flames.

Mayor Daniela Salzotto expressed deep distress over the loss of the historic site and the impact on social services. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire; criminal investigators noted a breach in a wall that may suggest external entry, leading to speculation regarding whether the incident was accidental or intentional.