Argentina: Wetlands fire affects nearby communities

A dense cloud of smoke from fires in the Paraná Delta wetlands of Argentina has made the air unbreathable and affected the health of the inhabitants of riverside towns.

The Paraná Delta, a wetland rich in biodiversity and includes parts of the provinces of Buenos Aires, Santa Fe and Entre Ríos, has been the epicentre for more than three years of brush fires that have devastated thousands of hectares.

Argentina's National Commission for Space Activities (CONAE) detected high levels of Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and smoke particles in the air of Rosario. On Friday, the ministry reported that there are still seven active fire outbreaks in the area.

More than 100 Army personnel were sent to the area to collaborate with local firefighters.