A big forest fire caused moments of extreme tension this Friday San Carlos de Barilocheafter the flames started a few meters away from a private sanatorium and were quickly moving towards a private sanatorium inner-city residential areadriven by strong gusts of wind.
The magmatic focus emerged around the 1:30 p.m. on the northern slope of Rungebergat Kilometer 1 of Bustillo Avenue, one of the busiest entrances in western Bariloche. According to official information, the fire broke out behind the Sanatorium San Carlosabout 20 meters from the building, requiring an immediate response from emergency teams to prevent the fire from reaching the clinic.
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In the first minutes of the operation, the sanatorium authorities were activated preventive evacuation protocols before the flames reached several meters high and consumed Pines, cypresses and dense vegetation. From inside the building, patients and staff watched the fire spread as a thick cloud of smoke covered the area.
Although the wind eventually pushed the main front away from the sanatorium, the flames quickly moved toward the sanatorium Belgrano districtwhere fear took hold at home. Many neighbors decided evacuate yourselfsome even with suitcases, given the constant falling ash and unbreathable air.
Other residents decided to stay and work: they found themselves Human chains with bucketsPeople threw water from balconies and household hoses, trying to stop the fire from progressing until brigade members arrived.
A massive operation to contain the fire
They worked on site Volunteer firefighters from all barracks in Barilochealong with provisions of Provincial Forest Fire Fighting Service (Splif)staff National Parks, Urban disaster protection and the Rio Negro Policewho ordered traffic restrictions to make it easier for emergency vehicles to enter.
The extent of the operation included Fire engines, tank trucks and hydrant planeswhich began operations as soon as the main focal points were contained by land. The aircraft fired salvos to cool the most active areas and allow brigade members to advance safely.
The fire was divided into two frontsone towards the upper part of the hill and one towards the houses, which made the tasks more complex for several hours.
Fires in Córdoba: Although the affected area has decreased by 80%, the fire continues to destroy the native forest
From there the flames and the column of smoke could be seen several kilometers awaywhile the constant sound of sirens spread concern in various parts of the city. Traffic on Bustillo Avenue became chaotic and had to be stopped, as well as some detours along Avenida Pioneros, due to traffic jams that made it difficult for fire engines to pass.
The community and emergency teams repeatedly surveyed the population Do not arrive in private vehiclesso as not to hinder operations.
Controlled fire and no serious casualties
Near the 17 hoursAuthorities reported that the fire was controlledalthough cooling and monitoring duties continued to prevent regrowth, particularly in areas near homes.
Splif’s operational reference, Gonzalo Irasoqueconfirmed that No casualties were recordedwith the exception of one firefighter who decompensated due to smoke inhalation and is out of danger after receiving medical treatment.
Extreme caution in Córdoba: forest fire warning applies
The episode revived one’s memory A similar fire occurred in March 2015as the fire advanced through the same sector and reached houses in the Belgrano neighborhood. Neighbors in the area pointed out that despite warnings at the time Structural and prevention conditions have not improved.
At that time, the fire department demanded installation and repairs fire hydrant fire hydrantin addition to a Emergency plan This involves narrow streets and poorly parked vehicles, which make access for emergency vehicles difficult. Ten years later, images of the fire were shown again similar problemswhich leaves unanswered questions about the city’s preparedness for this type of emergency.
L.B
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