Archive · 13 Jan 2026
Wildfires in South Argentina Threaten Communities
There are big fires in the southern part of Argentina called Patagonia.
These fires have burned a lot of land, almost 12,000 hectares, which is like 12,000 football fields.
The fires started about a week ago and are making it hard for people who live nearby.
Some people think one of the big fires was started on purpose, and the governor is offering a reward for information.
Firefighters are working hard to put out the fires, and even the president of Chile offered to help.
The fires are happening because it's very hot, windy, and dry, which is common during the summer in that part of the world.
Last year, there were also big fires that caused a lot of damage.
Wildfires in Argentine Patagonia have burned nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and forests, threatening local communities and infrastructure.
The fires started almost a week ago in the Andean region of Chubut province and are putting a power plant, a school, and rural properties at risk.
Chubut Gov. Ignacio Torres indicated that one of the biggest active fires may have been deliberately set, offering a reward of 50 million pesos for information.
295 firefighters, 15 aerial resources, fire engines, and logistical support from the Armed Forces are deployed to combat the fires, with additional active fires in Neuquen and contained fires in Santa Cruz and Rio Negro.
Firefighting efforts are hampered by drought conditions, strong winds, and reduced visibility due to massive columns of smoke.
- Who
- Firefighters, local communities, Chubut Gov. Ignacio Torres, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, volunteer firefighter Jorge Aranea
- What
- Wildfires in Argentine Patagonia
- When
- Started almost a week ago, active during austral summer (December to March)
- Where
- Andean region of the Argentine province of Chubut, also in Neuquen, Santa Cruz, and Rio Negro
- Why
- Causes not yet established, but indications of deliberate setting for one of the biggest active fires
- Area Affected
- Nearly 12,000 hectares
- Location
- Argentine Patagonia, Chubut province
- Firefighters Deployed
- 295
- Aerial Resources
- 15
- Reward for Information
- 50 million pesos (approximately $34,000)
- Active Fires in Other Provinces
- Neuquen
- Contained Fires in Other Provinces
- Santa Cruz and Rio Negro
- Season for Wildfires
- Austral summer (December to March)