Overview
- Active fronts around Epuyén, Puerto Patriada, El Hoyo and Los Alerces have scorched an estimated 12,000 to more than 14,000 hectares, destroying homes and disrupting water and power services.
- A peak deployment of 659 firefighters with hydroplanes, a Fireliner and helicopters is operating despite periods of suspended flights due to strong winds, with forecast rain expected to bring only partial relief.
- Epuyén’s Ordinance No. 1388/2026 declares a catastrophe through June 30 and enables direct contracting and accelerated aid across seven areas, including social, economic, housing and health.
- The national government has pledged discretionary ATN transfers to Chubut for reconstruction and family assistance, with payments to begin even as the final amount remains undefined.
- Prosecutors continue to probe the origin of the fires after reporting traces of accelerants and two near-simultaneous ignition points, as national and provincial leaders advocate tougher arson penalties and an ecocide offense.