FOREST FIRE SPIRALS OUT OF CONTROL AND DESTROYS CHURCH

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Comandos de Salvamento de El Salvador responded this afternoon to a forest fire in Colonia Florencia, located along kilometer 10 of the Northern Trunk Highway, in Apopa.

Units from the Cuerpo de Bomberos fought to prevent the spread of the flames, which spiraled out of control and destroyed an evangelical church and a small home. The church was completely destroyed by the fire.

Rescuers from Comandos de Salvamento also assisted several residents of the area who suffered asphyxia from smoke inhalation, while others experienced blood-pressure problems and were assisted at the scene.

Two members of the Cuerpo de Bomberos also developed respiratory problems, making it necessary to administer oxygen to stabilize them.

Fires have been spreading in recent hours, prompting authorities to ask the public to avoid burning garbage outdoors, as well as throwing cigarette butts in areas with dry brush, in order to prevent further incidents.