Story By: Pol F, Sub-Editor: Joe Golder, Agency: Newsflash
Uncontrolled fires that are rapidly spreading because of strong winds are reportedly threatening the iconic Machu Picchu tourist destination which includes the legendary Machu Picchu.
Two helicopters have been requested to stop the fires that emerged simultaneously for unknown reasons in different parts of the region.
The fires were tackled by the firemen very close to the touristic Machu Picchu Inca citadel, in the Urubamba Province, above the Sacred Valley, in the Cusco region, located in the Central area of Peru , at 6 am on Saturday (7 November).
After a virtual emergency meeting called by the regional governor of Cusco, Jean Paul Benavente Garcia, action was taken.
This included the activation of the Civil Defense Platform against the forest fires that appeared in the region.
Also the regional managements already established vehicle units available to transport firemen to the remote fire areas.
Likewise, authorities provided logistical material such as water, snacks, tools, moisturizers and other necessary items.
The governor will continue to organise the arrival of two air units, already requested, to proceed with the fire fighting work, as reported in an official press statement by the Government of Cusco.
One of the fires is very close to the Sacsayhuaman archaeological park, a rich complex of ruins located in southern Peru which includes the famous Machu Picchu.
Local authorities are working to perimeter the fire and thus prevent it from reaching the archaeological remains.
However, strong winds are fanning the flames, making it very difficult to control.
Last August, five simultaneous forest fires were registered in Cusco. Brigadiers and Army soldiers had to intervene to stop the fire, as reported by Peru21 local newspaper.
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