Argentina’s government declared a state of emergency in parts of Patagonia on January 29 as wildfires continue to consume vast tracts of forest during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
The most severe blazes are concentrated in southern Chubut province, where at least 45,000 hectares of forest—roughly 60 percent the size of Singapore—have been destroyed since mid-January. Firefighters are racing to prevent the flames from reaching populated towns.
President Javier Milei’s spokesman, Manuel Adorni, announced that the emergency declaration will take effect on January 30 in Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and La Pampa provinces. The measure is intended to streamline coordination between provincial and national firefighting teams, enabling faster deployment of resources to the hardest-hit areas.
Among the worst-affected regions is Los Alerces National Park, a vast reserve known for its pristine forests and glacial lakes. The park’s unique ecosystem has faced significant damage as the fires sweep through.
In recent days, cooler temperatures and light drizzle have offered some relief to firefighters, according to Ignacio Cabello, deputy director of the federal emergencies agency. Volunteer firefighters in Chubut, such as one based in the town of Cholila, reported that these conditions have helped prevent further expansion of the flames. “We are ensuring that the fire doesn’t continue to expand,” the firefighter said, declining to give his surname.
Authorities also reported that a major fire near the small Andean town of Epuyén is now “85 percent contained,” offering hope that the threat to nearby communities may soon subside.
The wildfires have been exacerbated by unusually high summer temperatures and strong winds, creating dangerous conditions across the southern provinces. Hundreds of firefighters are actively engaged in containment efforts, working alongside local volunteers and national agencies to protect both natural reserves and residential areas.
As the emergency declaration comes into effect, the government is expected to coordinate additional aerial and ground support to battle the blazes. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, warning that the combination of dry conditions and shifting winds could still pose a risk to other parts of Patagonia.
