Post by : Bianca Qureshi
Devastating wildfires have swept through parts of Argentina’s Patagonia region, destroying vast stretches of forest, damaging properties, and forcing at least 3,000 people to leave their homes and tourist areas.
Since Monday, flames have burned across large areas of southern Argentina, fueled by dry conditions and strong winds. Authorities estimate that around 3,000 hectares (30 square kilometres) of forest were initially affected, though later assessments suggest the damage is even greater in some areas.
One of the worst-hit zones is the Comarca Andina, a popular tourist region in the heart of the Andes Mountains known for its lakes, forests, and hiking trails. The fires have caused serious damage in and around towns such as El Bolsón, Lago Puelo, and El Hoyo, places that usually attract thousands of visitors during the summer season.
In Chubut province, officials said helicopters, amphibious planes, and air tankers are being used to fight the flames. However, the operation has been made difficult by thick smoke, which has reduced visibility and slowed the work of ground crews.
The province’s governor, Ignacio Torres, warned that the situation remains critical. In a message shared on Instagram, he said the “next 48 hours are vital” and urged residents and visitors to stay alert and follow safety instructions.
Earlier in the week, Torres said that more than 3,000 tourists had been evacuated from the Puerto Patriada lake resort area, along with several dozen local residents. He added that eight aircraft are currently working in different sectors of the Puerto Patriada fire, supported by additional planes and firefighters from Chile and the Argentine province of Córdoba.
According to the latest official figures, nearly 500 people — including firefighters, rescue workers, security forces, and support staff — are involved in battling the blazes. In some areas, the fires have already consumed more than 5,500 hectares (55 square kilometres) of fields and native forest.
Firefighting teams are focusing on the most critical zones, where their work includes strengthening firebreaks, cooling down hotspots, and opening and widening access roads to stop the flames from spreading further.
Wildfires are common in Argentina during the summer months from December to March, when high temperatures, dry weather, and strong winds create dangerous conditions. Argentina’s National Fire Management Service has issued a red alert for extreme fire danger in eight central and southern provinces.
This is the first major wildfire emergency of 2026, coming just a year after Patagonia suffered its worst fires in decades. Last year’s blazes destroyed tens of thousands of hectares of land, burned dozens of homes, and claimed one life.
As crews continue to fight the flames, authorities are urging people in affected and nearby areas to remain cautious, follow evacuation orders, and avoid traveling to high-risk zones until the situation is fully under control.
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