Unfortunately, every year forest fires become more common news in Argentina, especially during periods of high temperatures. This recurring crisis was no exception at the beginning of 2025, with active fires threatening ecosystems, homes, and local economies.
In our country, the fire season varies depending on the geographical region, usually increasing during the summer when extreme conditions often trigger large-scale fires of great magnitude and intensity.
Thus, the effects of global warming and climate change make extreme events of high temperatures, low relative humidity, and strong winds more frequent, creating a high-risk situation that can lead to large-scale fires that are difficult to control.
High fire risk in different provinces of Argentina
During the summer months, southern provinces face a high risk of forest fires. However, provinces such as Entre Ríos, Corrientes, Misiones, Chaco, and Buenos Aires must also take necessary precautions, as the highest fire risk in these provinces occurs from October to March.
Impact of fires in Chubut and Río Negro
In the province of Chubut, between the active fires in Río Pico and Epuyén, 6,830 hectares have been affected, including forests, shrublands, and grasslands, according to the Provincial Fire Management Service.
In Río Negro, the Forest Fire Prevention and Fighting Service reports that in the “confluencia” fire, more than 2,800 hectares have already been affected. Within Nahuel Huapi National Park, 10,764 hectares are affected in the Los Manzanos and El Manso sectors, and in Lanín National Park, the central area in Valle Magdalena, an estimated 4,100 hectares have been affected.
The influence of replacing native forests
In some localities in the Patagonian region, the replacement of native forests with exotic species, such as various varieties of pines, was part of a forestry policy promoted since the 1960s to encourage development.
However, in many cases, these plantations did not receive proper management, with a lack of pruning, thinning, and timely harvesting.
Moreover, their expansion capacity was not controlled, which has generated impacts on the landscape and an increase in the availability of combustible material. This contributes to the spread of forest fires, increasing the risk in the region.
The need for prevention and response measures in the face of this recurring crisis
“So far this year, the six most important active fire fronts in the region have devastated nearly 25 thousand hectares, an area equivalent to more than a third of the City of Buenos Aires or more than 35,000 soccer fields. The magnitude of the destruction highlights the urgency of implementing more effective prevention and response measures to stop this recurring crisis,” said Manuel Jaramillo, director of the Argentine Wildlife Foundation.
He added, “We cannot continue to react only when the fire is out of control. The climate crisis demands a change of approach: we need comprehensive strategies that prioritize prevention, early response, as well as the restoration of burned areas, in addition to active firefighting.”
Fires, among the main environmental issues concerning Argentine society, not only destroy ecosystems but also affect crops and homes, compromising food security and livelihoods of thousands of people. It is essential that those affected receive the necessary support for their recovery.
Legal framework in Argentina regarding forest fires
In 2013, the Federal Fire Management System was created by the Minimum Environmental Budget Law, integrating the National Fire Management Service, national authorities, provinces, the National Parks Administration, and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.
The law establishes that Fire Management Plans must be developed at the provincial, regional, and national levels to plan fire prevention and suppression, coordinate between jurisdictions, and create the National Early Warning and Fire Hazard Assessment System.
The Service provides assistance when requested by provincial jurisdictions, providing trained personnel, logistical and operational resources, and aerial means to combat fires. Additionally, the Fire Management Law and the Native Forest Law require the restoration of burned environments.
Climate change and fires
Recently, the administration of the National Fire Management System was transferred from the environmental orbit to the Ministry of Security. However, the lack of a National Fire Management Plan, despite being established by law, represents a serious deficiency in the planning for fire prevention and suppression.
Currently, there are only annual guidelines and goals that include operational needs, equipment, training, and aerial services, but without a comprehensive National Plan.
“It is urgent and important for coordination between the Nation and the provinces to exist, as well as between the different entities involved, to achieve a rapid response to the start of any fire. It is also key to consolidate and improve the National Fire Management Service, which not only needs aerial and ground resources but also personnel with the necessary job security to meet the enormous challenge of preventing and controlling forest fires or interface fires, which impact rural and urban areas simultaneously,” emphasized Jaramillo.
The WWF report “Fires, forests, and the future: a crisis out of control” points out that globally, 75% of fires are caused by human activity, either intentionally or due to negligence. In this context, climate change amplifies and worsens the recurring crisis of fires due to the lack of regulations, foresight, and prevention.
Moreover, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 was the warmest year in global history. The planet exceeded the 1.5°C temperature compared to pre-industrial levels, leading to extreme events such as heatwaves, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, and floods.
“History repeats itself, with increasing intensity, affecting nature, people, their properties, and livelihoods. Beautiful landscapes, habitats of a large amount of biodiversity, efforts, and dreams of citizens and entrepreneurs literally go up in smoke and ashes. Those who intentionally start fires are responsible; national and provincial public officials who do not ensure the means for the prevention and control of these announced tragedies are also responsible,” concluded Manuel Jaramillo.
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