According to local media reports, a helicopter that was fighting forest fires within the rugged Patagonia region in southern Argentina crashed on Wednesday. Two crew members were killed. The aircraft, contracted by the government to fight fires, crashed in the Quillen area, a lake in Neuquen.
According to La Nacion, more than 200 fire fighters and 12 aircraft were fighting fires in Nahuel Huapi National Park, Patagonia’s area known for its forests and lakes. Officials could be reached immediately for comment.
The Federal Council for the Environment, (Cofema), and the Ministry of Environment declared an emergency in the area. “We face a scenario that may recur over the time, that is, a period with prolonged droughts, and of running dry season throughout the year,” the emergency declaration stated. It also added that the situation was “most likely a consequence of climate change”.
(This story is not edited by Devdiscourse staff.