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Chubut Wildfires Ravage Nearly 12,000 Hectares Near El Hoyo as Arson Probe Advances

Investigators report accelerant traces at the ignition point, steering prosecutors toward an intentional ignition case.

Overview

  • The provincial fire service now counts 11,970 hectares burned in El Hoyo, with active fronts reenergized by stronger winds on Saturday.
  • Authorities report more than 3,000 evacuations and at least ten homes destroyed, with continued protection efforts around populated areas.
  • Reinforcements of nearly 80 additional firefighters arrive as the broader operation scales to about 565 personnel with multiple aircraft, including large airtankers.
  • Critical infrastructure remains at risk as flames repeatedly crossed Route 40 and threatened schools and a local power facility near El Coihue.
  • Officials cite an extreme drought, heat alerts and gusts forecast up to 60–70 km/h as key factors driving erratic fire behavior and complicating containment.