The fires in Patagonia this summer left more than 11,000 hectares devastated, causing terrible human and material losses.
In this context, the Ministry of Economy of the Nation declared a state of emergency and agricultural disaster in Bariloche, RÃo Negro. The measure was officially announced this week through Resolution 441/2025 published in the Official Gazette.
State of emergency due to fires in Patagonia: until when it extends
The declaration, which extends from February 1, 2025, to January 31, 2026, will allow for economic and financial assistance to the affected rural producers.
Emergency declared in Bariloche, RÃo Negro.
This includes the areas of Los Alerces Waterfall, Los Manzanos, and El Manso, the latter being difficult to access and one of the most challenging to control.
In total, 225 people participated in the operations to extinguish the fire. Of these, 121 were fighters, including brigade members, park rangers, and local residents.
The operation was coordinated by Nahuel Huapi National Park and the Directorate of Forest Firefighting and Emergencies.
The emergency was approved after the analysis by the National Commission of Agricultural Emergencies and Disasters, under Law 26.509. This law provides benefits such as tax exemptions and soft loans for those who present a certificate issued by the provincial authority confirming that their operation was affected.
Emergency due to frosts, hail, and drought
In addition to the fires, the national government declared an emergency and agricultural disaster due to frosts and hail that affected several areas of RÃo Negro.
These events extended from February 15, 2025, to February 14, 2026. The measure applies to the departments of General Roca, Pichi Mahuida, El Cuy, and Avellaneda.
Argentina and a recurring forest fires crisis
Every year, forest fires become more common news in Argentina, especially during high-temperature periods. This recurring crisis was no exception at the beginning of 2025, with active fires threatening ecosystems, homes, and local economies.
The forest fires crisis.
In our country, the fire season varies according to the geographical region, generally increasing during the summer when extreme conditions often generate large-scale and intense fires.
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 result in large-scale and difficult-to-control fires.
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