Alert for extreme fire risk in Córdoba

The Ministry of Security of Córdoba, through the Risk Management Secretariat, has issued an alert for extreme risk of rural fires in the province.

It is well known that during this period of severe drought, the likelihood of these types of incidents increases considerably.

The agency reminds that from this Wednesday until Thursday night, a warm front will enter from the north, with wind gusts that could reach between 40 and 53 miles per hour (65 and 85 kilometers per hour), depending on the area. 

The phenomenon would mainly affect mountainous areas, the southwest and southern parts of the province, and to a lesser extent the central, southeastern, and eastern areas of the province.

These weather conditions, in addition to the combustible material resulting from frost that dries out vegetation in various parts of the province, create conditions that place the Fire Weather Index (FWI) in the Extreme range during the aforementioned time frame. 

Environmental alert status due to fire risk in Córdoba

It should be noted that since June 2, an environmental alert status has been in effect throughout the entire province due to fire risk, until December 31 of the current year.

In the Province of Córdoba, the time of year when the risk of forest fires is highest begins at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter after the first frosts, since low temperatures and frosts dry out vegetation, which becomes highly combustible material, especially in valleys and mountainous areas. 

The provincial decree that established the environmental alert status expressly prohibits "the lighting of any type of fire and any activity that could lead to the start of fires." 

Upon detection of fire outbreaks and/or smoke columns, the population is urged to immediately notify the authorities. 

Emergency contacts for fire in Córdoba

- 0 800 888 38346 (FUEGO) - Civil Defense Call Center.
- 100 (Volunteer Firefighters) - Stations. 
- 911 (Córdoba Police).