Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Patagonia wildfires spark criticism over Milei's austerity cuts
Big fires are burning in Patagonia, Argentina.
These fires have destroyed a lot of land, even reaching a special park with very old trees.
The government has said they will help by giving money to fight the fires.
But some people are upset because the government has cut a lot of money that was used to prevent and fight fires.
They say this is making the problem worse.
The government leader, President Milei, has also said things that make people mad, like calling climate change a lie.
This has made environmental groups very worried.
Wildfires in Patagonia have destroyed over 110,000 acres, affecting Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Argentine government declared an emergency in four southern provinces to unlock funds for firefighting efforts.
President Javier Milei's austerity measures have cut funding for wildfire prevention and response by 71%.
Environmental groups criticize the government for prioritizing budget cuts over emergency funds and climate change denial.
The government has allocated $69 million to support current firefighting efforts.
- Who
- President Javier Milei's government and environmental groups
- What
- Wildfires in Patagonia and criticism over austerity measures
- When
- Fires began in December, emergency declared on January 30
- Where
- Southern provinces of Chubut, Rio Negro, Neuquen, and La Pampa, Argentina
- Why
- Austerity cuts reduced funding for wildfire prevention and response
- Location
- Chubut, Rio Negro, Neuquen, La Pampa provinces, Argentina
- Area Burned
- More than 110,000 acres (44,515 hectares)
- Emergency Declaration
- Southern provinces of Chubut, Rio Negro, Neuquen, and La Pampa
- Funding Cuts
- 71% reduction in National Fire Management Service budget
- Funds Allocated
- $69 million for firefighting efforts
- UNESCO Site Affected
- Los Alerces National Park
- Tree Species at Risk
- Alerce trees (world's second-longest-living tree species)