Patagonia Wildfires Surge Past 15,000 Hectares as Crews Battle Expanding Fronts

Overview

• The main focus near Epuyén in Chubut reached about 11,970 hectares on Sunday, according to the provincial fire service.
• More than 500 personnel are deployed, with new brigades arriving from Córdoba and Chile offering assistance.
• Roughly 3,000 tourists were evacuated from Puerto Patriada and at least ten homes were destroyed, authorities said.
• Prosecutors say evidence points to intentional ignition with accelerants, and the governor announced a 50 million peso reward for tips.
• One volunteer firefighter was hospitalized in intensive care with severe burns as officials described the overall situation as still critical.