Carelessness while burning branches caused the fire that fully consumed the historic Huemul Hotel on Saturday in Bariloche, following an initial blaze that broke out in the upper section facing Lake Nahuel Huapi.
The fire broke out on Saturday after 3 p.m. due to carelessness while burning branches and rapidly consumed one of the city's tourist landmarks. All guests and staff had been safely evacuated with no injuries.
Images show ashes and ruins of the historic building after the fierce blaze. Various firefighter units had worked to contain the flames, which disrupted traffic along Avenida Bustillo. The hotel, with over 90 rooms, forms part of Bariloche's historic tourist landscape. Cooling and inspection tasks are continuing.
