Rescuers in Patagonia: the silent work that saves animals amid forest fires

The Argentine Patagonia is facing one of the worst environmental crises of the last decade. Since the end of December, forest fires have been advancing over thousands of hectares, affecting protected areas such as the Los Alerces National Park.

The National Government declared the fire emergency and the province of Chubut was classified as a “disaster zone,” with more than 45,000 hectares affected just in Los Alerces.

In this context, the invisible protagonists are the firefighters and rescuers, who risk their lives not only to contain the fire and protect homes but also to rescue wild and domestic animals trapped in the flames.

The origin of the forest fires

The fire in Los Alerces was started by an electric lightning in an intangible area of native forest. Although containment protocols were initially applied, on January 1st the flames got out of control due to high temperatures, droughts, and strong winds. The accumulation of dry reeds on the ground facilitated rapid spread.

Fauna at risk

The flames affect emblematic species of the region:

• Huemul or Andean deer (Hippocamelus bisulcus).
• Pudú or dwarf deer (Pudu puda).
• Puma (Puma concolor).
• Monito del monte (Dromiciops gliroides).
• In addition to boars and red deer.

Wild animals tend to flee from the burned areas, arriving injured in populated areas. Veterinarians and animal protection organizations collaborate by collecting veterinary supplies, food for pets and large animals, as natural pastures have been destroyed.

Injuries and consequences in the fauna

The National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) warns that during the fires animals suffer:

• Traumatic podopathies: burns on hooves from hot soils and incandescent ashes.
• Ocular injuries: prolonged exposure to smoke and suspended particles causes severe keratoconjunctivitis.
• Stress and dehydration: metabolic shock reduces defenses and facilitates opportunistic diseases.

Extreme conditions for firefighters

More than 500 firefighters work on the ground under adverse conditions:

• Temperatures up to 29 ºC.
• Minimum relative humidity of 25%.
• Winds between 10 and 20 km/h, with gusts up to 35 km/h.

According to Argentine media, about 70 people were affected while fighting the fire.

Scope of the emergency

The situation is critical throughout the region:

• Chubut: most complex focus in Los Alerces and reactivations in Puerto Patriada, El Hoyo, and Cholila.
• Río Negro, Neuquén, and La Pampa: declared disaster zones due to active fires.
• Santa Cruz: fire emergency in ecological reserves and coastal areas south of Puerto San Julián.
• In total, more than 230,000 hectares devastated in Patagonia.

The silent work of rescuers and firefighters is vital to face this tragedy. While the flames ravage forests and endanger communities, they become the last hope to save both wildlife and domestic animals.

The fire emergency in Patagonia highlights the urgency of strengthening prevention, risk management, and ecosystem protection in the face of advancing climate change and the environmental crisis.