Forest fires spread across Patagonia, leading Argentina to declare a state of emergency. JAN 30, 2026

Illustrative photo of Patagonia by Ema Reynares on Pexels (free)

Forest fires spread across Patagonia, leading Argentina to declare a state of emergency

The Argentine government has officially declared a state of fire emergency in several provinces of Patagonia after weeks of intense forest fires that have devastated large areas of native vegetation and threatened communities in the south of the country.

On Thursday, President Javier Milei signed a decree placing the territories of the provinces of Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and La Pampa under a state of emergency, regions where fires have been spreading since the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere summer. The measure aims to facilitate coordination between national and provincial firefighting teams and allow the transfer of resources and equipment to the brigades operating on the ground.

Scope and impact of the fires

Authorities and media organizations estimate that, in the province of Chubut alone, more than 45,000 hectares of forest have been burned—an area comparable to the urban area of ​​San Francisco, in the United States. The fires have already reached sensitive areas such as Los Alerces National Park, a reserve known for its temperate forest ecosystems and glacial lakes, and continue to rage near populated areas, forcing hundreds of firefighters and volunteer firefighters to redouble their efforts to protect cities and villages.

Adverse weather conditions—such as high temperatures, strong winds, and prolonged drought—have fueled the advance of the flames since mid-January, hindering containment and increasing the risk of new outbreaks.

Official response and criticism

The emergency decree provides for the transfer of funds from the federal government to fire-fighting entities, including the purchase of equipment, protective materials, and logistical support for volunteer firefighting associations operating in the region.

Despite these measures, criticism emerges from regional governors and experts who point to the need for broader and more structural responses to the problem. They emphasize that the phenomenon of the fires reflects both natural risks amplified by climate change and shortcomings in the prevention and management of environmental crises.

Broader Environmental Context

Fires in Patagonia are not uncommon during the warmer months, but experts warn that recent episodes have been more intense and frequent, partly due to a combination of prolonged droughts, heat waves, and winds. The region is home to ancient forests and fragile biodiversity, making the long-term ecological impacts a concern.

Although the most active fires are now partially under control in some areas, the risk of reignition persists with still unfavorable weather conditions, keeping firefighting teams on high alert.

The Green Amazon News – International

This text was compiled using public data, scientific reports, and information from meteorological institutions.

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The Green Amazon News Editorial Team