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Patagonia Wildfires Scorch 15,000 Hectares During Push to Contain Epuyén Blaze

Light rain offered partial relief, with over 500 responders using aircraft to hold key lines.

Firefighters battle to extinguish a bushfire in Chubut province of Argentina's Patagonian region
Firefighters battle flames as wildfires blaze in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)
Firefighters battle flames as wildfires blaze in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)
People walk on a road as a wildfire blazes in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)

Overview

  • Authorities report more than 15,000 hectares burned across southern Argentina this week, with the largest fire near Epuyén reaching about 11,980 hectares.
  • Roughly 3,000 tourists were evacuated in recent days and at least 10 homes were destroyed, while a volunteer firefighter remains in intensive care with severe burns.
  • More than 500 firefighters, police and support personnel are engaged alongside water-bombing planes and helicopters, with logistical support from the armed forces.
  • Showers on Sunday eased conditions in parts of Chubut, yet drought, strong winds and heavy smoke continue to hamper ground and aerial operations.
  • Officials are probing suspected arson in the main blaze and have posted a 50 million peso reward for information, as fires remain active in Chubut and Neuquén and are contained in Santa Cruz and Río Negro.