Raging wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia have burned nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and native and planted forests, threatening local communities, firefighting authorities said in a report published Sunday.
The fires started almost a week ago in the Andean region of the province of Chubut, putting a power plant and a school at risk and affecting rural properties, according to the report.
The causes of the fires had not been established, but Chubut Gov. Ignacio Torres told journalists on Thursday there were indications that one of the biggest active fires was deliberately set. Torres said, “The wretches who started the fire are going to end up in jail,” while announcing a reward of 50 million pesos (approximately $34,000) for information about the incident.
Volunteer firefighter Jorge Aranea in El Hoyo said Friday that it was painful to watch everything burn. “It’s sad to see everything burning. And sometimes you do what you can and it’s not enough. What’s happening is terrible,” he said.
Chile’s President Gabriel Boric offered on X on Saturday to help the Argentine government combat the active fire fronts.
On Sunday, Argentina’s executive branch said 295 firefighters had been deployed for the firefighting operation, which included 15 aerial resources, fire engines and logistical support from the Armed Forces. Manuel Adorni, the chief-of-staff and spokesperson for the Argentine executive branch, provided the figure.
In addition to Chubut’s fire, the report said there were active wildfires in Neuquen province, according to Argentina’s Federal Emergency Agency. Santa Cruz and Rio Negro said their fires had been contained, although they remained under emergency status.
Firefighting efforts have been hampered by drought conditions and strong winds, while massive columns of smoke have reduced visibility for responders, the report said.
Wildfires are common during the austral summer season because high temperatures, strong winds and drought typically prevail between December and March.