Forest fire: Thick smoke forces school closures in Santa Ana de Velasco

This Wednesday, August 21, the 25 de Mayo Education Unit in Santa Ana de Velasco, Suspension of face-to-face courses Due to the smoke Forest fires The area is out of control.

“The smoke was thick.” And it is harmful to the health of students, which is why we decided to switch to a virtual method. ”explained Walter Algañaraz, director of the Education Department.

measure Affecting 180 studentsthey must continue remote learning until further notice.

Santa Ana de Velasco Vice Mayor Damián Matías Pesoa Surubí expressed concern about the fire, which has been extinguished It devastated the area and affected four communities in five days. Including Santa Ana.

“The fire was too intense. We need help from the national government. Additional firefighters and a helicopter were called in to control the fire and prevent it from spreading to other communities,” the deputy mayor said.

The scenery in Chiquitania is very desolate. Fires not only cause property damage, but also cause serious health problems.

Local health centers are overwhelmed The situation was exacerbated by an influx of neighbors and students suffering from respiratory problems, as well as a shortage of oxygen and medicine, especially among the volunteers fighting the fire.

In Concepcion, Five volunteer firefighters had to evacuate They were rushed to the city hospital due to smoke poisoning and eating problems. Currently, they are receiving oxygen and serum to stabilize their condition.