From the north of Los Angeles to the ends of Argentine Patagonia, forest fires are devastating the American continent. In California, a fire declared north of Los Angeles razed more than 3,200 hectares driven by strong winds and dry vegetation. Over 50,000 people were warned to evacuate, while the region is still facing the aftermath of two historic fires that left 24 dead and destroyed thousands of homes.
Simultaneously, Argentine Patagonia is facing its own crisis. In 2025, more than 10,000 hectares were consumed by fires affecting areas such as Nahuel Huapi National Park. Meanwhile, in Chile, the situation is no less critical: so far this year, 74 fire outbreaks caused the death of three firefighters, while the flames continue to advance in highly flammable regions.
Fire management experts warn that the effects of climate change are intensifying the fires. Factors such as prolonged droughts, high temperatures, and strong winds, combined with landscape transformation due to human activities, are generating more frequent and devastating fires. In fact, some specialists point out that in densely populated regions like Los Angeles, forest fires have evolved into urban disasters, a phenomenon that could be replicated in Latin America.
In the case of Argentina, the response capacity to fires has been questioned. Organizations like Greenpeace denounce the lack of investment in prevention and infrastructure, while firefighters work in precarious labor conditions. Additionally, they call for strengthening legislation to penalize intentional forest destruction and halt illegal deforestation.
Challenges in Colombia and Mexico
In Colombia, the impact of fires increased due to unique factors such as the presence of armed groups in affected areas, putting firefighters at risk. Rodrigo Botero, from the Foundation for Conservation and Sustainable Development, emphasizes the need for an independent aerial fleet to combat fires.
At the same time, in Mexico, the National Forestry Commission reported that 2024 was one of the most devastating years, with over 1.6 million hectares burned. Enrique Jardel emphasizes that, although there are advancements in firefighting, a preventive approach and better ecological fire management are needed.
Bolivia and the Weight of the Emergency
To these countries, Bolivia is added, facing similar challenges, with over 10 million hectares burned in 2024. Marlene Quintanilla, from the Friends of Nature Foundation, warns that the lack of exemplary sanctions and resources hinders fire prevention, while the country deals with an unfavorable economic context.
Meanwhile, in Chile, forest fires mainly affect the central and southern regions, with a direct impact on communities. Estefanía González, from Greenpeace Chile, highlights the need for adequate resources for prevention and firefighting, especially in areas with highly combustible plantations like pines and eucalyptus.
The increase in fires throughout the continent underscores the need for robust and coordinated strategies that prioritize prevention, strengthen firefighting resources, and adapt environmental policies to the reality of climate change. Without decisive measures, the devastating human and ecological consequences will continue to grow year after year.
Areas at risk of fires.
Fires in Patagonia have already consumed 10,000 hectares
The fires in Patagonia, affecting Chubut, Río Negro, and Neuquén, have already consumed more than 10,000 hectares of forests, grasslands, and plantations.
They started near the end of the year and there are still active fires. This is an area equivalent to half of the City of Buenos Aires.
Additionally, they warn that the climate crisis, drought, wind, and exotic pines have helped their expansion.
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