Forest fires swept through Patagonia, Argentina on Wednesday left at least seven people injured and 15 more missing, according to official reports.
In an area of forests and lakes popular with tourists near the Andes mountain range, about 200 people had to be evacuated, and about 100 homes were destroyed by fire. The flames have spread to Lago Puelo, El Bolsón, El Maitén, Epuyén, Futaleuf, and El Hoyo.
In press statements, Argentine Environment Minister Juan Cabandié said: "I'm going to file a criminal complaint because it was an intentional fire."
On Twitter, Argentina's President Alberto Fernández said the national government had deployed "two helicopters, three fire hydrant aircraft, 12 fire engines, support vehicles, and 62" firefighters to battle the blaze.
According to the local municipality, seven people were injured, one seriously, and 200 people were evacuated from Lago Puelo in Chubut Province.
"There are 15 people missing due to the fire that... affected more than 100 homes," said Cabandié.
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