This week, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) reported that there is an extreme risk of fires in ten Argentine provinces.
The combination of high temperatures and prolonged drought has created critical conditions that demand urgent preventive measures.
The authorities have requested local governments to implement all necessary protocols to prevent the spread of fire in affected areas.
Ten provinces under maximum alert due to fire risk
The National Fire Management Service indicated that the fire risk has reached extreme levels in Buenos Aires, La Pampa, Córdoba, Mendoza, San Luis, Santa Fe, Neuquén, Río Negro, Chubut, and Santa Cruz.
Climate experts explained that the high temperatures, combined with the drought and other meteorological factors, have created a favorable scenario for the emergence of fire outbreaks, according to the Argentine News Agency.
The situation requires immediate attention from provincial authorities to minimize environmental impact and protect the country’s natural areas.
Total fire ban in national parks
At the beginning of December, the National Government announced new measures to prevent forest fires in the Lanín, Nahuel Huapi, Los Arrayanes, Lago Puelo, and Los Alerces National Parks.
The measure was applied through a resolution issued by the National Parks Administration in the Official Gazette, which expressly prohibited the use of fire in these five parks.
The measure came into immediate effect and was extended until April 30, 2026.
During this period, only safe fire was allowed in authorized tourist provider facilities, under strict control protocols and constant supervision.
The authorities anticipated that there would be severe penalties against offenders who cause fire outbreaks.
Therefore, the pertinent contraventional procedures were applied upon detection of those responsible.
The regulation established that, once responsibility for the production of such disasters is accredited, the maximum penalty established by current legislation will be applied.
A reinforced operation for the summer
As part of the strategic planning for the 2025-2026 season, the National Parks of Northern Patagonia were reinforced.
They have a superior contingent of over 160 specialized brigades in fire fighting.
The operational deployment includes:
- Complete water equipment and specialized manual tools
- Advanced communication systems: repeaters, VHF radios, mobile and satellite phones
- State-of-the-art technology: drones, thermal cameras, and GPS devices
- Mobile resources: trucks, transport vehicles, and pumping equipment
The authorities developed shared information systems linked to early warnings, weather forecasts, and risk analysis.
They also conducted joint training in fire management, operational safety, and the use of new technologies.
The participation in regional drills and interjurisdictional planning processes consolidated a federal approach.
This coordination expanded the response capacity and optimized the use of available resources throughout the national territory.
The implemented measures aim to protect ecosystems and prevent environmental catastrophes during the months of highest fire risk in the country.
