A devastating wildfire, suspected to be deliberately ignited, continues its relentless advance across Argentina’s Chubut Province, prompting widespread evacuations and causing what officials are calling the region’s most severe environmental disaster in two decades. The inferno, which originated on January 5th, has already scorched approximately 7,000 hectares of pristine native forest.
The blaze is primarily concentrated near the towns of Epuyén and El Hoyo, where extreme weather conditions—a historic drought compounded by scorching temperatures and powerful winds—have severely hampered firefighting efforts. These elements are actively fueling the fire’s spread toward populated zones, creating a volatile and dangerous situation for residents and emergency crews alike.
In the community of Puerto Patriada, the fire’s ferocity has resulted in the complete destruction of at least ten homes. The escalating threat has compelled local governments to issue a series of urgent advisories. The municipality of El Maitén has instructed its inhabitants to prepare for potential immediate evacuation. Neighboring towns, including El Coihue and Buenos Aires Chico, remain on high alert, with public facilities being preemptively converted into emergency shelters.
As a critical preventative measure, the Municipality of El Hoyo has mandated a proactive self-evacuation for all residents, tourists, and visitors in the El Pedregoso and Aldea San Francisco areas. Concurrently, authorities have imposed traffic restrictions on the crucial Route 40 to facilitate emergency operations and ensure public safety.
With preliminary investigations pointing towards arson, judicial authorities are actively working to corroborate the charge and identify those potentially responsible for the catastrophe.