For days, the fires in Chubut have not stopped and have already destroyed nearly 2000 hectares of forest and vegetation in the Patagonian mountain range.
Due to this, more than 3000 people were evacuated from Puerto Patriada and Epuyén while the fire remains active.
Currently, two active hotspots concern authorities and residents, with firefighters and brigade members working intensely in Puerto Patriada and Epuyén.
In this regard, the Association of Volunteer Firefighters of El Hoyo confirmed that the situation “is not under control”.
At the moment, the flames have destroyed homes, native flora, and animals in their advance.
“The operational capacity of the institutions is giving its best, at the maximum of material and human resources,” declared Sofía Carella, president of said organization.
Weather conditions worsen the fires in Chubut
A major aggravating factor of the fires in Chubut is that the National Meteorological Service (SMN) does not forecast rain for the coming days.
This summer, the region faces high temperatures and a prolonged drought that complicate the scenario.
Therefore, the inhabitants of the area had to leave their homes and move to safe areas, leaving behind their belongings in the face of the advancing fire.
At the moment, in El Hoyo the fire has already affected more than 1800 hectares and compromised 10 homes. These families have already been relocated by local authorities.
Furthermore, the authorities have arranged for preventive evacuations in Puerto Patriada and a sector of Epuyén.
It should be noted that the risk of this scenario increases with a possible change in wind direction.
The origin of the fire was intentional, according to the governor
The governor of Chubut, Ignacio Torres, confirmed that the fires in Chubut were intentionally set.
Investigations revealed the use of explosive material and accelerants in the affected areas.
Authorities found evidence in a remote area of Epuyén that confirms human action. Before the incident, a threatening call was recorded to the Provincial Brigade.
The Prosecutor’s Office, led by Carlos Díaz Mayer, determined that at least two hotspots were started intentionally.
El Hoyo and Cholila showed clear signs of criminal intervention with accelerant material.
The provincial government offered a reward of 50 million pesos. The amount seeks to obtain reliable information about the responsible parties for starting the fire.
Torres emphasized that action will be taken with “the full weight of the law” against the culprits. The seriousness of these events increases in a context of drought and high temperatures.
The largest firefighting plane in the country reinforces the operation
The Boeing 737 Fireliner, the largest plane of its kind in Argentina, arrived from Santiago del Estero.
The aircraft carries up to 15,000 liters of water or retardant to fight the flames.
The air and ground operation involves more than 180 fighters and 100 people in logistics.
Volunteer firefighters from across the province and road teams are actively participating.
Of the five main fires recorded in Chubut, three are controlled: Lago Engaño, Cholila, and El Turbio. However, the hotspots in El Hoyo and Los Alerces remain active.
“We are deploying all available resources to face this critical situation,” stated Torres.
The governor highlighted the coordination without jurisdictional distinction between levels of government.
The Fireliner is part of an operation that includes five additional water bomber planes and a helicopter. Tanker trucks from National Road Authority provide essential logistical support.
The Minister of the Interior, Diego Santilli, also participated in the press conference alongside local authorities. The national presence reflects the magnitude of the emergency in Patagonia.
