The National Parks Administration announced the intervention of Los Alerces National Park due to advancing fires that have already destroyed more than 10,000 hectares. The objective of this measure is to “ensure the proper protection of protected environmental assets” and to extinguish the flames that have affected the territory since December 8th, when a lightning strike hit Lake Menéndez. Governor Ignacio Torres called on the national administration to take charge of the situation to normalize it. This request was accompanied by a strong statement from the Chubut Chamber of Tourism, which accused the park authorities of “failure to fulfill their inherent duties” and “poor operational management” during the fire emergency, which has already caused significant environmental, social, and economic damage. In a communiqué addressed to the president of the National Parks Administration, Sergio Martín Álvarez, the Chamber warned of “negligence, lack of foresight, strategic errors, and inadequate institutional communication,” while also denouncing the lack of coordination with local authorities, the underestimation of the risk, and the delay in requesting logistical and aerial support. More than 400 firefighters were participating in emergency operations and were backed by helicopters, water bombers, and forest fire trucks. The scarcity of rainfall is complicating the work of firefighters, while authorities continuously study the most affected areas. The National Parks Administration reiterated to residents that they should stay informed through official channels and respect the established rules.
