Patagonia fires: Israeli tourists accused of starting fires in Chile and Argentina
As emergency teams in South America struggle to contain a devastating wave of wildfires that are consuming everything in their path, fingers are once again pointing at Israeli tourists in both Chile and Argentina, amid growing controversy over irresponsible camping behavior in sensitive nature reserves.
Arrest in Chile and legal proceedings
A notable development occurred in the Magallanes region of southern Chile on January 15th, when local authorities announced the arrest of an Israeli tourist within the renowned Torres del Paine National Park. According to CNN Chile, the tourist was apprehended in the Dixon Camp area using heat sources in a strictly prohibited area due to the environmental hazards.
The Chilean judiciary acted swiftly, with the accused appearing before the bail court in Puerto Natales and being formally charged with violating forestry laws and using fire in protected areas. As a precautionary measure, the court imposed strict restrictions on his movements, including a ban on regional travel and a requirement for him to report weekly to the relevant authorities.
Political and popular anger in Argentina
On the other side of the border, in the Argentine region of Patagonia, the issue took on a broader political and public dimension. Prominent figures came to the forefront to level direct accusations, with former Argentine Army Chief of Staff, César Melani, suggesting on social media the involvement of Israeli tourists in starting the series of fires threatening the south of the country.
These accusations were reinforced by a video posted by former government official Luis Delia, in which a local resident recounts his attempt to stop a group of Israelis from setting fire to a vast forested area, further fueling anger among local residents who see these forests as a priceless national treasure.
Historical background: The ghost of the 2011 fire
This heightened sensitivity towards Israeli tourists in the region is not without reason; it stems from a painful memory for the people of Patagonia. In late 2011, Israeli tourist Rotem Singer caused one of the worst environmental disasters in the history of Torres del Paine National Park when he failed to extinguish a burning toilet paper, sparking a massive fire that destroyed more than 17,000 hectares of pristine forest and required years of reforestation efforts.
Environmental importance and impact of fires
Patagonia, shared by Chile and Argentina, is considered one of the world's most important ecological lungs, boasting unique biodiversity, glaciers, and pristine forests. Any fire in this region not only represents a loss of trees but also threatens an entire ecosystem and severely impacts the tourism sector, a vital economic lifeline for the southern population. Authorities in both countries enforce strict laws, including imprisonment and hefty fines, for those who start fires, whether intentionally or through negligence, in an effort to protect this global natural heritage.
