Overview
- Aerial crews are battling a reactivated front on the slopes of Lago Epuyén, with gusts near 40 km/h complicating access and fire behavior.
- Epuyén’s council declared a Catastrophe Ígnea through June 30, 2026, unlocking emergency contracting and extraordinary funds, with preventive evacuations under consideration.
- The national government says 22 of 32 detected fires are extinguished, yet critical hotspots around Puerto Patriada and the cordilleran zone remain active under close monitoring.
- Authorities estimate more than 12,000 hectares burned, roughly 25 homes destroyed, disruptions to power in parts of Epuyén and Cholila, and at least one person seriously injured.
- Investigators report evidence of intentional ignition as Chubut offers a reward, environmental groups decry underused fire‑management budgets and proposed 2026 cuts, and Chile has offered assistance.