Catamarca forest fire contained, road closed and power restored

A forest fire in the Ambato department of Catamarca province forced the total closure of Provincial Route 4 near kilometre 28, cutting access between San Fernando del Valle and the summer village of El Rodeo. Strong west winds and Zonda conditions heightened the risk, prompting authorities to advise residents to avoid the area and use Route 16 as an alternative.

The blaze, caused by a fallen electricity cable, damaged low‑ and medium‑voltage lines of Energía Catamarca SAPEM, leaving El Rodeo and Las Juntas without power. By late afternoon, electricity service was restored to about 60 % of households. Governor Raúl Jalil and El Rodeo mayor Armando Seco Santamarina inspected the scene, while the provincial fire brigade, civil protection, and police firefighters continued containment efforts. The incident coincided with a Senate debate on reforming the national Fire Management Law, which seeks to restrict land‑use changes on burned native forest areas for 60 years.