Forest Fires in Chubut Out of Control

The situation in Chubut Province remains critical. Forest fires are out of control, having destroyed over 40,000 hectares of land. The city of Esquel is threatened, while in the Cholila area, sudden changes in wind intensity and direction have reactivated fire points that were close to being contained and have favored a rapid spread of flames. The operation to combat the fire involves about 500 people, including more than 270 specialized brigadists from different parts of the country, as well as volunteer firefighters and logistics personnel. The flames are advancing in hard-to-reach areas and threatening to spread to populated areas. The human impact of the emergency is profound. In a region where tourism and productive activities are also seriously affected, fear of losing homes and sources of income is spreading among the population. In this context, the National Parks Administration has, for the first time in its history, immediately intervened in Los Alerces National Park. An Intervention Committee has temporarily assumed all park management functions to centralize decisions and accelerate the operational response. Meanwhile, provincial and national authorities maintain constant monitoring of the area and reinforce operations to prevent the flames from advancing on inhabited areas. Specialists warn that this pattern could repeat in the coming summers, increasing the risk of large-scale forest fires. With no significant short-term improvement anticipated, the emergency in Chubut is solidifying as one of the most serious environmental crises of recent years. According to volunteer firefighter José from Cholila, many brigadists arrive at the barracks after midnight and resume tasks a few hours later, without sufficient rest. The lack of water resources has forced many residents to learn how to use water pumps to supply themselves, while the fire remains active in the vicinity. José described a scenario of extreme exhaustion and widespread anguish. There are houses everywhere, even in the highest areas closest to the fire. Despite sustained efforts, adverse weather conditions continue to hamper operations and keep nearby communities on edge. The meteorological context significantly worsens the emergency. Chubut is experiencing its driest year in a decade, with a marked water scarcity, high temperatures, and very low humidity levels. The decision was made following a criminal complaint for alleged negligence in containing the fire emergency and responds to the critical nature of the situation. These variables not only favor the fire's expansion but also limit the resources available for firefighting.