Córdoba wildfires force intense firefighting efforts as new threats emerge in La Calera, Argentina

Wildfires that erupted on September 5, 2024, continue to spread across Argentina’s Cordoba Province, with emergency teams deployed in multiple regions. As of September 6, three major wildfire outbreaks were being battled by over 200 firefighters, with 50 personnel still engaged in containment efforts.

Wildfires that began on September 5 continue to affect several locations across Córdoba Province, with emergency teams battling flames in multiple areas. As of midday on September 6, three active wildfire outbreaks have been reported by the Secretariat for Climate Risk Management, Catastrophe, and Civil Protection.

The first major outbreak is located on the Tiro Federal property in La Calera. The fire originated near Avenida Don Bosco and has been moving in a northwesterly direction, now threatening to reach La Calera.

The fire, with a front approximately 1 000 m (3 280 feet) wide, is being closely monitored as it advances toward the nearby road. Thick columns of black smoke, a result of burning tires in a warehouse, are visible in the area, though officials state that there is no immediate risk to homes or individuals at this time.

As a precautionary measure, those present at Tiro Federal have been evacuated, and traffic on Route E-55 has been cut off. Firefighters are working to protect a residential neighborhood in La Calera that could be impacted if the fire continues to spread.

Eight families were evacuated from the La Cuesta neighborhood due to the presence of smoke, but the fire didn’t enter the neighborhood and their homes were safe from danger.

In a separate incident, emergency teams are responding to a wildfire in the Traslasierra region. The fire is developing between the towns of Mina Clavero and Salsacate, specifically near Ambul. Firefighters have been deployed to contain the spread and safeguard nearby communities.

Additionally, a fire reactivated in the Villa del Dique area of the Calamuchita department on the morning of September 6. Firefighters are working to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, another fire in La Mezquita, located on the Third Army Corps property, has been contained. As of September 6, the smoke in the area has cleared, allowing the Córdoba-Carlos Paz highway to reopen for traffic. However, firefighters remain on-site to continue cooling the perimeter.

Nearly 200 personnel were involved in containing the flames, with water-dropping planes assisting throughout the day. Currently, 50 firefighting personnel are still working in the region.

Roberto Schreiner, spokesperson for the Risk Management Secretariat, said that efforts in Villa del Dique have made progress. Around 100 volunteer firefighters worked through the night of September 5, and the situation is now under control.

A third fire has been reported in the Traslasierra Valley, which began early on September 6 in the Pocho department, between Salsacate and Villa Cura Brochero. Volunteer firefighters, alongside personnel from the Provincial Fire Management Plan, are on-site attempting to manage the outbreak.

Efforts to control the fires are being complicated by changing weather conditions. On September 5, high winds accelerated the spread of the blaze in La Calera, prompting authorities to close National Route 20 between Yocsina and Malagueño. The fire injured at least four firefighters, and several people, including those in La Perla, were evacuated. Traffic and power disruptions are expected to continue in some areas, depending on fire conditions.

With several wildfires still active, authorities warn that additional road closures and evacuations are possible in the coming days. Residents have been advised to stay alert to official announcements as firefighters continue to battle fires across the region.

Local authorities also caution that the smoke is worsening air quality in certain areas, potentially affecting visibility on the roads and creating dangerous driving conditions.

Firefighting efforts will continue as personnel work to contain the flames and protect residents and properties across Córdoba Province.

References:

¹ Incendios: bomberos combaten distintos focos en la provincia- Cordoba– September 6, 2024

² Incendios: el foco de La Mezquita está circunscripto y quedó habilitada la autopista Córdoba-Carlos Paz – Cordoba – September 6, 2024

³ Argentina: Authorities close National Route 20 near Cordoba due to wildfire Sept. 5 – Crisis 24 – September 5, 2024

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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