Volunteer firefighters contain Zonda-wind fires in San Juan, Argentina

On July 31, strong Zonda winds sparked a fire on a dry field in Chimbas, San Juan province. The blaze threatened a nearby house and dry vegetation, reaching over two metres in height. Volunteer firefighters from the department and municipal authorities quickly extinguished the flames. The same wind alert prompted the provincial Ministry of Education to suspend all school classes across San Juan for the remainder of the day as a preventive measure.

Later that evening, in the town of Maimará in the Quebrada de Humahuaca, an illegal waste‑burning attempt ignited dry grass, nearly turning into a larger forest fire. Local volunteer firefighters intervened and stopped the spread before it could endanger populated areas. Provincial Emergencies director Ariel Mamaní said the incident will be referred to contraventional authorities, and those responsible could face severe economic penalties. Both incidents underscore the province’s warning against any use of fire during Zonda wind alerts.