Overview
- More than 4,000 hectares of native forest have burned around Puerto Patriada, at least three homes were destroyed, and about 3,000 tourists were evacuated.
- Prosecutors reported gases compatible with accelerants at the origin site and discounted an electrical fault, reinforcing a deliberate ignition hypothesis.
- Chubut’s governor announced a 50 million pesos reward for information, as federal canine units and labs analyze soil samples and investigators review cameras, satellite data, and mobile records.
- Ground crews continue to build firebreaks and cool hotspots while low visibility has intermittently grounded aircraft; Villa Lago Rivadavia/Cholila was declared extinguished but Los Alerces remains the most complex active front.
- The main interface fire began Monday, January 5, about 300 meters from the Puerto Patriada access road, and a separate report alleges the governor kept international prevention funds on hold in 2024.