ARGENTINA: Wildfires in southern Argentina have burned over 15,000 hectares this week, prompting large-scale firefighting efforts and evacuations in Patagonia.
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The largest blaze, ongoing since Monday near the small town of Epuyen in the Andes, has charred around 11,980 hectares, according to the Chubut provincial fire service. Another fire of unspecified size is active in Los Alerces National Park. Two additional fires in Chubut and neighboring Santa Cruz provinces have burned approximately 3,800 hectares, the country’s emergency management agency said.
NOW – Argentina’s massive wildfires spread to over 5k acres in Patagonia’s Chubut and Rio Negro Province sending tourists fleeing. Authorities offer 30k reward for information as arson theory circulates. pic.twitter.com/BTyFPz5prw
— Confidential Post (@TheCPostNews) January 11, 2026
More than 500 personnel, including firefighters, rescuers, and police, are engaged in controlling the blazes, with support from local residents. Approximately 3,000 tourists have been evacuated in recent days, and at least 10 homes have been destroyed, officials said. One volunteer firefighter near Epuyen is in intensive care due to severe burns.
Rainfall on Sunday brought some relief to the region, especially residents like Atilla Missura, a local horseback tour operator in Rincon de Lobos. “We are very happy; hopefully it will stay this way,” he said.
Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres described the situation as “calmer” but warned it remains “very critical.” He urged the public to recognise the growing impacts of climate change, noting that the province is experiencing its worst drought since 1965. The region also lost 32,000 hectares to wildfires in early 2025, highlighting the increasing frequency and intensity of fires in Patagonia.
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Authorities continue to monitor the fires closely, prioritizing evacuations, firefighting efforts, and safety measures for both residents and tourists. Environmental experts have raised concerns about the long-term ecological and economic effects of recurring wildfires in the region.