Wildfires Devastate Southern Argentina's Patagonia and Chubut Provinces
Severe wildfires continue to ravage southern Argentina, specifically affecting the Patagonia and Chubut provinces. Since igniting on January 5 in El Hoyo, the fires have burned approximately 30,000 hectares in Chubut alone and spread into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over 400 firefighters, healthcare workers, and security personnel are currently deployed to combat the blazes, although efforts were initially hampered by inclement weather. Authorities indicate that at least 700 personnel are required to effectively manage the crisis across the 5 million hectares at risk. Greenpeace has characterized the ecological damage as devastating, noting that while some areas may recover in decades, the loss of ancient conifers, some over 3,000 years old, represents an irreversible scientific loss. Strong, dry southerly winds are intensifying the fire fronts, which remain active and visible from satellites. President Javier Milei publicly praised the emergency responders for their heroic efforts. The National Parks Administration continues to update damage estimates as the situation evolves, highlighting the severe threat to biodiversity and old-growth forest structures in the region.
Wire timeline
Wildfires Devastate Southern Argentina's Patagonia and Chubut Provinces
Severe wildfires continue to ravage southern Argentina, specifically affecting the Patagonia and Chubut provinces. Since igniting on January 5 in El Hoyo, the fires have burned approximately 30,000 hectares in Chubut alone and spread into Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over 400 firefighters, healthcare workers, and security personnel are currently deployed to combat the blazes, although efforts were initially hampered by inclement weather. Authorities indicate that at least 700 personnel are required to effectively manage the crisis across the 5 million hectares at risk. Greenpeace has characterized the ecological damage as devastating, noting that while some areas may recover in decades, the loss of ancient conifers, some over 3,000 years old, represents an irreversible scientific loss. Strong, dry southerly winds are intensifying the fire fronts, which remain active and visible from satellites. President Javier Milei publicly praised the emergency responders for their heroic efforts. The National Parks Administration continues to update damage estimates as the situation evolves, highlighting the severe threat to biodiversity and old-growth forest structures in the region.
Argentina Reports