Wildfires sweeping through southern Argentina have destroyed nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and both native and planted forests, placing nearby communities at serious risk. The blazes, burning for almost a week, are concentrated in the Andean region of Chubut province and continue to challenge emergency response teams amid difficult terrain and weather conditions.

Authorities warned that critical infrastructure is under threat, including a power generation facility, a school, and multiple rural properties. Evacuation plans remain on standby as fire lines advance unpredictably. Local officials have intensified monitoring to prevent further damage to populated areas and essential services.

While the exact cause of the fires has not been officially determined, provincial officials have indicated possible human involvement in at least one major fire front. Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres stated that preliminary evidence suggests deliberate ignition and announced a substantial monetary reward for information leading to those responsible.

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Firefighting operations have mobilized significant resources, with nearly 300 firefighters deployed alongside aerial units, fire engines, and logistical assistance from Argentina’s Armed Forces. Emergency agencies confirmed that additional wildfires are active in neighboring Neuquén province, while Santa Cruz and Río Negro remain under emergency alert despite having their fires largely contained.

Efforts to control the blazes have been severely hampered by persistent drought, strong winds, and dense smoke that has reduced visibility for responders. The unfolding crisis echoes last year’s devastating Patagonia fire season, which destroyed vast forest areas, displaced residents, and underscored the region’s growing vulnerability to extreme wildfire events.

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