Wildfires Ravage More Than 15,000 Hectares in Argentine Patagonia, Forcing Large-Scale Emergency Response JAN 12, 2026

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Wildfires Ravage More Than 15,000 Hectares in Argentine Patagonia, Forcing Large-Scale Emergency Response

Patagonia, Argentina — A series of wildfires continues to spread across southern Argentina, burning more than 15,000 hectares of native vegetation, scrubland, and protected areas in the Patagonian region over the past week. The blazes, which began early last week, have triggered a large-scale emergency response and forced evacuations in one of the country’s most ecologically valuable landscapes.

The most severe fire is burning near the small Andean town of Epuyén, in Chubut province, where provincial authorities estimate that nearly 12,000 hectares have already been destroyed since Monday. Another active fire is affecting parts of Los Alerces National Park, a protected area internationally recognized for its ancient forests and high biodiversity.

In addition, firefighters are battling other blazes in Chubut and neighboring Santa Cruz province, which together have burned approximately 3,800 hectares, according to Argentina’s emergency management agency.

Emergency Response and Evacuations

More than 500 firefighters, rescue workers, police officers, and local volunteers have been deployed to contain the multiple fire fronts across the region. In recent days, around 3,000 tourists were evacuated from high-risk areas as a precaution, and at least 10 homes have been destroyed, local authorities confirmed.

Among those fighting the fires, a volunteer firefighter remains in intensive care after suffering severe burns during operations, highlighting the extreme risks faced by emergency crews working under harsh conditions.

Temporary Relief from Rain Amid Ongoing Risk

On Sunday afternoon, light rainfall was reported in parts of Patagonia, offering temporary relief to residents and firefighters. “We are pleased about the rain; hopefully it will continue,” a resident of one of the affected areas told AFP.

Despite the brief improvement, Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres warned that the situation remains “very critical.” He emphasized that the province is experiencing its worst drought in decades, a factor that has significantly intensified the spread of the fires. Climate specialists link these prolonged dry conditions to the broader impacts of global warming.

Climate Context and Environmental Impact

The current fires come just one year after another devastating wildfire season in Patagonia, when more than 32,000 hectares of forests and grasslands were lost. Environmental experts warn that the increasing frequency of extreme fire events is threatening not only human safety but also fragile ecosystems, protected areas, and wildlife habitats.

Beyond local damage, large-scale wildfires contribute to increased carbon emissions, reinforcing a feedback loop of rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and more frequent fires.

With national parks and key tourism zones under threat, authorities and environmental organizations stress the urgent need for coordinated climate adaptation strategies, stronger wildfire prevention policies, and long-term ecosystem protection — before such disasters become the new normal in Patagonia.

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

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