Fires in Patagonia: Flames continue to spread, 50,000 hectares destroyed

Wildfires across Patagonia reached critical levels on Sunday, with simultaneous outbreaks affecting four national parks. More than 50,000 hectares of terrain has been scorched and destroyed this summer.

The most serious state of affairs is in southern Chubut Province, where the fires are threatening roads, homes and workplaces. Preventive evacuations and emergency operations continue as firefighters continue to battle the flames. 

According to the latest report from the National Parks Administration (Administración de Parques Nacionales, APN), the scenario is of “extreme complexity,” due to the sheer number of fires burning at the same time.

Firefighting operations now span four provinces – Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén and Santa Cruz – with more than 500 firefighters engaged in efforts to quell the outbreaks.

In Chubut, firefighting efforts are being carried out under extreme conditions, with difficult terrain, narrow trails and a topography that is forcing crews to advance on foot, cutting their way through vegetation with chainsaws and hand tools. In some areas, teams have been forced to pull back for safety reasons.

Weather conditions are playing a key role in the spread of the flames. High temperatures, strong winds and low relative humidity are contributing to the reactivation of blazes that had been partially brought under control. 

In Los Alerces National Park, one of the hardest-hit areas, 247 APN personnel are currently working in coordination with the Federal Emergency Agency (Agencia Federal de Emergencias, AFE), alongside around 265 personnel deployed by authorities in Chubut Province.

A further 300 firefighters from different regions of the country on alert to ensure relief rotations on the frontline.

Some 20 helicopters and fire-fighting efforts are also assisting.

Authorities in Buenos Aires Province have sent assistance to the region, including firefighters and heavy equipment.

To facilitate operations, authorities have ordered the closure of the North Entrance and restricted recreational boating on Lake Futalaufquen. 

The scale of the crisis has led the national government to move forward with the declaration of a wildfire emergency for Santa Cruz Province. In the coming hours, it will join Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén and La Pampa, which already have that legal status. 

The measure should speed up the allocation of resources, assistance and inter-jurisdictional coordination.

– TIMES/PERFIL