Wildfires in south Argentina rip through nearly 12,000 hectares of forest, threatening communities

Devastating wildfires continue to ravage Argentina’s Patagonia region, with nearly 12,000 hectares of land already destroyed according to firefighting authorities. The blazes, which began almost a week ago in the Andean region of Chubut province, now threaten critical infrastructure including a power plant and a school, while damaging numerous rural properties.

Local officials report that the fires are spreading through both planted and native forests as well as scrubland, creating a complex challenge for emergency responders. The rapidly expanding blazes have prompted a large-scale emergency response across the region.

Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres has suggested that one of the most significant fires may have been deliberately set. “The wretches who started the fire are going to end up in jail,” Torres told journalists on Thursday, announcing a substantial reward of 50 million pesos (approximately $34,000) for information leading to those responsible.

On the frontlines, firefighters are battling exhaustion and difficult conditions. Volunteer firefighter Jorge Aranea from El Hoyo expressed his distress while fighting the flames on Friday. “It’s sad to see everything burning. And sometimes you do what you can and it’s not enough. What’s happening is terrible,” he said.

The scale of the emergency has prompted international offers of assistance. Chilean President Gabriel Boric reached out on social media platform X on Saturday, offering support to the Argentine government in combating the active fire fronts. Chile and Argentina share the Patagonian region, with fires potentially threatening areas near their shared border in the Andes.

Manuel Adorni, chief-of-staff and spokesperson for Argentina’s executive branch, detailed on Sunday that the government has mobilized 295 firefighters for the operation. The response includes 15 aerial resources, fire engines, and logistical support provided by Argentina’s Armed Forces.

The crisis extends beyond Chubut province. According to the Federal Emergency Agency, active wildfires are also burning in the neighboring Patagonian province of Neuquen. While authorities in Santa Cruz and Rio Negro provinces report their fires have been contained, both areas remain under emergency status as conditions could quickly deteriorate.

The firefighting efforts face significant natural obstacles. Persistent drought conditions have left vegetation dangerously dry, while strong winds accelerate the spread of flames and massive columns of smoke have dramatically reduced visibility for responders. These challenging conditions have hampered containment efforts across affected areas.

This current crisis comes just one year after Patagonia experienced its worst wildfire season in decades. Those devastating 2023 blazes destroyed tens of thousands of hectares, burned dozens of homes, and claimed at least one life. The recurring pattern raises serious questions about wildfire management and prevention in the region.

Environmental experts note that wildfires are a regular occurrence during the austral summer season, which runs from December to March. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and drought creates ideal conditions for fire ignition and spread throughout Argentina’s southern regions.

As climate change continues to affect global weather patterns, Patagonia has experienced increasingly severe dry seasons, potentially contributing to more frequent and intense fire events. The region’s unique ecosystems, including rare Andean forests, are particularly vulnerable to these intensifying fire seasons.

Local communities now face an anxious wait as firefighting operations continue, with many rural residents concerned about their homes, livestock, and livelihoods. Emergency services have not yet provided estimates for when the fires might be contained, as changing wind conditions continue to complicate forecasts.