The flames threaten to approach this world-famous archeological site in the Andes.
Peruvian firefighters are battling a forest fire near Machu Picchu, the Inca citadel, as flames threaten to approach the world-famous archeological site in the Andes.
The blaze, which has engulfed an area roughly half the size of Vatican City, broke out on Tuesday as farmers set fire to low-lying vegetation as they prepared their fields for new sowing.
As of Wednesday, some 200 acres of land had been charred, according to the mayor of the nearby town of Cusco.
Machu Picchu, a complex of stone building structures on top of a mountain, was built more than 500 years ago by the Inca Empire, which stretched across much of South America, from Ecuador to Chile.
The archeological site and the breathtaking view have turned the province of Cusco into the top Peruvian tourist destination and is considered one of the seven modern wonders of the world.
The fact that the flames are burning in an inaccessible, isolated area complicates the operations of the fire brigade.
“We have been battling this fire for two days now and it has not been possible to control it, as the area is impassable,” said Roberto Abarca, director of the Cusco County Emergency Management Agency.
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