Two communities in central Argentina were evacuated on Saturday (August 27) as firefighters struggle to control a forest fire that started more than one week ago.

According to local media, the fire in San Luis, approximately 750 kms (465 miles) from the capital city of Buenos Aires, has affected an area approximately 400 km (250 miles) large.

As winds and poor weather conditions hampered fire fighting efforts, authorities evacuated dozens of families from the towns of Los Molles and Villa de la Quebrada.

Officials also stopped traffic along the 25th of May Highway that crosses the region and fought to keep the fire from crossing the road.

"The main goal is to get the fire away from the area where there are houses. We need to save the houses, save the animals, because there are people in this area who have animals and we want to avoid having the fire cross the road," explained San Luis fire chief Rafael Godoy.

As winds shifted, fanning the fire away from the communities, authorities allowed residents to return home.

Local newspapers said the fire began over a week ago in the Potrero de los Funes area but eventually split, with two focal points, one moving north and the other toward the central part of the province.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.