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Argentine fires blamed on farmers | Argentine fires blamed on farmers |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has described as "irresponsible" farmers blamed for fires that have left a blanket of smoke across Buenos Aires. | Argentine President Cristina Fernandez has described as "irresponsible" farmers blamed for fires that have left a blanket of smoke across Buenos Aires. |
The fires from burning scrubland near the capital have disrupted air and road travel and smoke has spread across the River Plate to Montevideo, Uruguay. | |
The government accused the farmers of setting the fires off to clear pasture. | |
Farmers rejected the charge, saying it was designed to distract attention from a row over tax rises on farm exports. | |
Roads, airports and ports have been closed and Buenos Aires residents, complaining of breathing difficulties and problems with their eyes, are closing their windows and staying indoors. | |
The smell of burning is everywhere, the BBC's Daniel Schweimler reports from the city. | |
Fire-fighters are battling to control the flames that have spread over thousands of hectares. | |
'Hand of man' | |
Argentine Interior Minister Florencio Randazzo said more than 300 fires had been detected. | |
Cattle farmers were "paying no heed to the consequences, just focusing on maximising profits", he said. | |
"We are facing a disaster caused by the hand of man," he said, warning farmers faced prosecution. | |
Argentine's left-wing government has been locked in a separate dispute with farmers over increases in export taxes on agricultural products. | Argentine's left-wing government has been locked in a separate dispute with farmers over increases in export taxes on agricultural products. |
Earlier this month, the farmers suspended a strike which had led to shortages, but gave the government until the end of the month to address their concerns. | |
Meanwhile, Buenos Aires residents are hoping for a change in the wind direction to clear the smoke which is making their lives a misery, our correspondent adds. |