Wildfires force thousands to flee southern Argentina’s Patagonia

A vast area of the Comarca Andina, one of the top tourist destinations in the heart of the Andes Mountains, has been damaged.

On Wednesday, Ignacio Torres, the governor of Chubut province, said "more than 3,000 tourists" had been moved away from the Puerto Patriada lake resort, along with a few dozen locals.

More than 350 people, helped by helicopters, amphibious planes, and air tankers, have been trying to extinguish the flames, officials in Chubut province, their efforts hampered by massive columns of smoke which have reduced visibility for ground crews.

The affected area includes the Argentine Patagonia towns of El Bolson, Lago Puelo, and El Hoyo, known for their mountains, lakes, and forests popular with walkers.

Forest fires are common during the Argentine summer, from December and March, thanks to high temperatures, strong winds, and drought.