Argentina forest fires: 3,000 tourists evacuated, widespread destruction in Patagonia
The Patagonia region of southern Argentina is facing a growing environmental and humanitarian disaster, as a massive forest fire has consumed more than 5,500 hectares of land and green spaces, prompting a large-scale mobilization of local authorities and emergency teams. Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers are working against the clock to contain the blaze, which now directly threatens small residential communities and vital tourist areas.
Details of the disaster and developments in the situation
The first spark of the fire ignited last Monday in Puerto Patriada, about 1,700 kilometers southwest of Buenos Aires. The flames quickly spread, engulfing the town of Eboén, home to approximately 2,000 people, creating widespread panic and anxiety. In a tragic description of the situation, Flavia Profoni, a resident of the area, posted on Instagram: "There are no words to describe what we are going through. Every five minutes a new fire breaks out. It's pure hell.".
Ignacio Torres, the governor of the neighboring Chubut province, confirmed that the fires had already consumed 5,500 hectares, warning of the danger of the next 48 hours, which will be crucial in determining the course of the disaster, given the unfavorable weather conditions that are hindering aerial and ground firefighting operations.
Evacuation operations and material losses
In an urgent response to the imminent danger, authorities carried out large-scale evacuations, including the removal of approximately 3,000 tourists vacationing in the picturesque area, as well as the immediate evacuation of 15 families from their homes. Despite these efforts, property damage was not spared, with reports confirming that more than ten houses were completely destroyed by fire.
Currently, around 500 firefighters are involved in field operations, with additional reinforcements expected from Cordoba province, as well as anticipated international support from neighboring Chile, which shares a long border with Argentina and faces similar environmental challenges.
Environmental context and climate challenges
These fires are occurring within a complex environmental context. Patagonia is one of the world's most important nature reserves, boasting unique biodiversity and dense forests. However, global climate change has cast a long shadow over the region, with firefighters facing increasing challenges due to record-breaking temperatures and low humidity, which are turning the forests into highly flammable fuel.
Moreover, Argentina’s difficult economic situation is exacerbating the crisis, as government spending cuts and wage reductions have negatively impacted the readiness of emergency teams and the availability of resources needed to combat disasters of this magnitude.
A series of ongoing fires
This fire is not an isolated incident; fires are also burning in other parts of Patagonia, particularly in the provinces of Neuquén, Río Negro, and Santa Cruz. It is worth noting that in early 2025, the region experienced devastating wildfires that consumed nearly 32,000 hectares of land, indicating a recurring and alarming pattern that threatens the ecosystem and economy of the entire southern region.
