Argentina's southern forest fire intensifies

Bad weather conditions on Wednesday have intensified the forest fire in the department of Bariloche in southern Argentina.

The strong wind, with gusts surpassing 80km/h, has spread the fires across the main road connecting the city of Bariloche with other parts of western Patagonia. It is estimated that more than 4000 hectares of virgin forests have burned since the fires began on December 7th, after a lightning storm, something unusual for the area. According to the Ambience and Sustainable Development Ministry, which is in charge of the fire's operation, 135 firemen are working on the ground, supported by three aeroplanes and three helicopters.