Head of National Fire Management dismissed after Chubut fire

This photo shows firefighters trying to control an outbrake in the province of Chubut.

Argentina’s National Fire Management Service (SNMF) of the Environment and Sustainable Development Ministry director Jorge Barrionuevo has been fired by newly appointed Cabinet Chief Aníbal Fernández.

Fernández fired Barrionuevo and called him “useless”, arguing he did not handle properly the fire that spread among the native forests of Chubut province, the worst in the country’s recorded history as 20,000 hectares — about the size of Buenos Aires City — were reported to have succumbed to the flames.

“We are making some changes because things are getting over his head. This government does not deserve that. We can no longer bear with useless people that think this is a joke. This is a very serious matter. A province is suffering and a country is suffering,” Fernández, who met with Chubut governor Martín Buzzi, said.

The new Cabinet Chief announced the increment of federal government aid for the province to manage the fire, while Buzzi explained the flames are being kept in control.

There are currently four fire outbreaks in the province according to the National Fire Management Service. The biggest one is located near Cholila city; another one has been registered in Río Pico area; another one is in El Turbio; and the last one has been registered between Lago Puelo and El Hoyo.

Almost 40 square kilometres have been enveloped with fire spreading by almost 16 meters per minute.