BUENOS AIRES, Aug 29 — Two communities in central Argentina were evacuated on Saturday as firefighters struggled to control a forest fire that started more than one week ago.
According to local media, the fire in San Luis, approximately 750 km from the capital city of Buenos Aires, has affected an area approximately 400 km large.
As winds and poor weather conditions hampered firefighting efforts, authorities evacuated dozens of families from the towns of Los Molles and Villa de la Quebrada.
Officials also stopped traffic along the 25th of May Highway that crosses the region and fought to keep the fire from crossing the road.
As winds shifted, fanning the fire away from the communities, authorities allowed residents to return home
Local newspapers said the fire began over a week ago in the Potrero de los Funes area but eventually split, with two focal points, one moving north and the other toward the central part of the province.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. — Reuters
