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 hotspots. This equals an area the size of half of Buenos Aires City.
Furthermore, experts warn that the climate crisis, drought, wind, and exotic pines have contributed to their spread.
Patagonia Fires: Devastated Hectares
Given the situation, organizations are demanding more prevention, firefighters, and infrastructure from the authorities. They also call for the penalization of the causes, especially when it’s confirmed that a fire was started intentionally.
According to official reports, since December, the forest fires have advanced over 5108 hectares in Nahuel Huapi National Park (Río Negro), 3075 hectares in Epuyén (Chubut), 2000 in Doctor Atilio Viglione (Chubut), and 450 near Caviahue (Neuquén).
Fires in Nahuel Huapi.[/caption>
An Greenpeace report estimated that the area affected by forest fires in the Argentinean Andean Patagonian Forests during the period of October 2023– March 2024 was 7747 hectares, with 90% in the Chubut province.
It’s estimated that 95% of forest fires are caused by human actions, whether intentional, negligent, or accidental: campfires, barbecues, and improperly extinguished cigarette butts. Also, due to the burning of grazing areas and forest waste.
Organizations’ Demands for Patagonia
Hernán Giardini, coordinator of Greenpeace’s Forest Campaign, expressed his concern. “If we don’t act, situations like these will continue to occur. The climate crisis demands preparation,” he urged.
“At both the provincial and national levels, more prevention, firefighters, and infrastructure are needed to respond quickly to hotspots that later become uncontrollable. Wind, drought, and exotic pines increase the risks,” he added.
“Argentina is in a forest emergency. Fires in the south are on the rise, and half of the deforestations in the north are illegal. It is urgent to prohibit and penalize the destruction of native forests,” Giardini stated.
In this context, he called for “demanding on the website to establish prison sentences for those responsible for forest fires and illegal deforestations.”
Ignacio Torres confirmed that the fires in Epuyén were intentional
Ignacio Torres, governor of Chubut, reported this week that the fires affecting Epuyén were intentional, following the results of the investigations.
Fire in Epuyén advances. (Photo: X-@ansentipensante).[/caption>
“Glass and other combustible materials were found,” he stated. This, according to him, aligns with the main theory, despite versions indicating that the fire’s origin was a domestic accident.
In recent days, this fire has advanced fiercely in the area. At least 200 people were evacuated, and around 2000 hectares were ravaged by the flames.
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