Wildfires rage in Uruguay; firefighters complain of lack of equipment

Montevideo, Jan 9 (Prensa Latina) The beginning of the year comes along with almost 30 fires in Uruguay, mostly forest fires, amid claims by the Fire Department for lack of personnel and equipment.

January 9, 2023
09:24

Since Saturday, they have been fighting the flames of a forest disaster in Salinas, in Canelones departmen. The fire has spread to several localities and crossed route 87, which was closed and caused traffic re-routing.

The strong winds and high temperatures are hampering firefighting efforts in some 80 hectares affected by the fire and in which seven teams are working, in addition to the collaboration of volunteers, police, Air Force and military personnel.

Diego Rodríguez, fire delegate of the Montevideo Police Officers Union, told reporters about the long-standing demands that affect the performance of those commands.

High temperatures and the lack of rainfall characterize the current summer season in Uruguay, when fires recur particularly in forests.

A bill on forestry issues seeking major provisions to prevent these fires is under discussion in Congress.

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