In the midst of a heat wave, Misiones declared a fire emergency for fear of forest fires

The governor of Missions, Hugo Passalacquadecreed this Wednesday the fire emergency throughout the province due to the high danger index of fires resulting from extensive drought and high temperatures.

The measure was made official by the president through social networks and will last 180 days, covering the entire territory of the coastal province. will include “immediate actions to prevent and combat forest, rural and urban fires.”

Misiones decreed the igneous emergency

In this regard, Passalacqua explained that on his social networks that the fires seriously affect tourism, biodiversity, production and human health.” and recalled that Misiones “It has the largest area of ​​Atlantic forest on the planet and is home to 52% of the country’s biodiversity.”

“The care of this heritage is everyone’s responsibility. If you see a fire, call 911, 105 (Environmental Emergency), 100 (Fire) or 103 (Civil Defense)”, the governor asked.

In its arguments, the decree alleges that there is an extensive drought in the province, with below-average rainfall. It also says that the lack of rainfall in the basins of the Paraná, Uruguay and Iguazú rivers caused historic downturns.

Likewise, the extended climate forecast for the months of January, February and March 2025 from the National Meteorological Service indicates temperatures above average and precipitation below normal for the province.

For this reason, andThe climate favors the appearance and spread of urban, rural and forest fires, with its greatest impact being the destruction of natural areas with the consequent loss of native biodiversity, contamination of rivers and lakes, desertification and soil erosion..

Fires continue in Nahuel Huapi National Park

Meanwhile, in the south of the country, the arrival of the rain brought momentary relief to the fire that affects the Nahuel Huapi National Park in San Carlos de Barilocheprovince of Río Negro.

The fire started three weeks ago and more than 4,000 hectares They have already been consumed. One of the factors that most complicates the task of those who try to control the situation is the climate.

The heat wave raised the risk of fires to a maximum. The authorities remain on alert while firefighters and rescuers face a complex and difficult scenario due to the combination of strong winds and unusual high temperatures in the area.

But, the arrival of rainfall in the Cascada de los Alerces area took a breath not only to the brigade members, but also to the residents who are only 2 kilometers from the forest fire.

This Tuesday, light rainfall began which, according to the National Meteorological Service (SMN)will continue until today afternoon.

In addition, temperatures dropped and maximum temperatures did not exceed 21°C. And although this is positive news that brings hope, what generates concern and uncertainty are the intense gusts of wind that are expected in the next few hours. They could be up to 60km/h and with abundant cloudiness.