In the capital of Paraguay, Asunción, the fires that broke out on the banks of the Paraguay River in the Costanera Norte region have generated a serious emergency since last Saturday. The fire has mainly affected areas of grasslands, precarious housing and the Banco San Miguel Ecological Reserve, with more than 135 families evacuated and a growing number of people affected by smoke inhalation.
According to the firefighters, Up to 45 people have received medical attention due to the effects of the smokeand some of them were transferred to nearby hospitals.
Efforts to extinguish the flames have been complicated by intense winds that favor the spread of the fire. With temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius, a contingent of 60 firefighters has been working tirelessly, supported by the Paraguayan Army and the Navy, who have deployed heavy machinery to help with containment tasks.
However, the outbreaks are still active, which has forced preventive measures to be implemented. such as the temporary closure of Costanera Avenue and additional evacuations in the area.
According to Alejandro Buzó, director of Fire Prevention of the Municipality of Asunción, the causes of the fires are not accidental, but rather deliberate acts.. Suspects have been identified and the Public Ministry has already started an investigation, given that the fire has spread to strategic areas such as landfills and neighborhoods near the reserve.
The affected community includes people who have lost their homes, in addition to the people who have been evacuated as a preventive measure, including many children. Although local authorities assure that there have been no fatalities, The impact of the fires is evident both in material damage and in the effects on public health due to air pollution.
The government and security forces continue to work to mitigate the effects of this disaster, while investigations continue to clarify those responsible for the spread of these criminal fires.
