Fire Moves Toward Ski Resort In Andes

A fire apparently started by an arsonist advanced toward the popular Cerro Catedral ski resort in the Patagonian Andes, firefighters said Saturday.

Police closed access roads to the resort, which attracts thousands of tourists and campers during the Southern Hemisphere summer.

The fire started at midday Friday, and strong winds quickly spread the flames toward the resort’s hotel and ski lifts, said fire brigade chief Cesar Garnica.

Residents of Bariloche flocked to the scene of the fire to help fight the flames that threaten their main source of income, as well as one of the country’s chief natural attractions.