Firefighters battle raging flames as Argentina wildfire grows during intense heatwave

Dozens of people were evacuated Tuesday from their homes in Argentina’s central Córdoba province as forest fires grew amid an intense heat wave. Images and video from the area showed massive flames in hills surrounding populated areas as firefighters worked to combat the flames that had reached some homes in the region. It was not immediately clear how many homes had been affected by the flames. There was hope that rains expected Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning could help calm the fires that had spread rapidly due to strong winds. There were five active wildfires in the region Tuesday, according to Argentina’s National Fire Management Service.” Ulises Xarate, 27, has been detained and accused of initiating a fire Monday afternoon in an area close to the city of Villa Carlos Paz in the province’s Punilla region, according to local media that cite prosecutor Jorgelina Gómez. Watch more here at Independent TV Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: