Wildfires Are Blazing Through Argentina

The long-lasting fire has devastated nearly 10% of the northern province of Corrientes. The flames have reportedly destroyed farms, pastures, swamps, and wildlife habitats in the country’s northern region. Argentinian officials think the region may need years to fully recover from this disaster.

Corrientes is dependent on agriculture. The wildfire has burned down important crops like the plant used for the national yerba mate drink, fruits, and rice fields. Losses as a result of the wildfires have exceeded 25 billion Argentine pesos, or more than $200 million, according to CBC News.

Argentinian firefighters are exhausted after battling the fires, so backup is being sent from other parts of the country along with firefighting units from nearby countries like Bolivia and Brazil, Al Jazeera reported.

The wildfires have burned near the Iberá National Park, which is one of the largest wetlands in the world. It is home to more than a quarter of Argentina’s flora and fauna, including local endangered species like the giant anteater and pampas deer.

The current wildfires have been caused by ongoing drought, low humidity, and almost no rainfall. However, it did rain in Argentina this past weekend, and firefighters hope that future rain could bring some respite from the fires to the area.