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Chubut Wildfire Treated as Arson as 3,500 Hectares Burn, Thousands Evacuated

Forensic findings at the ignition point have shifted the case into a criminal probe of an intentionally set blaze.

Overview

  • Prosecutors report accelerant traces at the start site near Puerto Patriada and are using a newly circulated image to pinpoint the ignition on a strategic access route.
  • Authorities say roughly 3,500 hectares are scorched, more than 3,000 people have been evacuated, homes were damaged, and traffic on National Route 40 has faced intermittent closures.
  • The firefighting force expanded to about 565 personnel with reinforcements from Córdoba and national brigades, supported by multiple aircraft including a Boeing 737 Fireliner and planes from Chile.
  • High heat, strong winds and a deep drought prompted an orange alert from the national weather service, limiting containment prospects and sustaining high operational risk.
  • Governor Ignacio Torres announced a 50 million–peso reward for information and scheduled a Monday meeting with provincial security officials and prosecutors to review the investigation.