Every year, this tragedy is repeated in Argentina, which hurts all of us. Therefore, I will propose to senators an update to the Penal Code to aggravate penalties with effective prison sentences for those who start fires, and a more efficient and assertive update in the coordination between the National State and the Provinces in the fight against fire. "Without distinction of nationality, ethnic origin or ideology, whoever commits a crime must be held accountable. Article 41 of our National Constitution enshrines the right to a healthy environment for all inhabitants, as well as the obligation on the authorities to guarantee it and restore it when it is damaged," the statement says. Today, the Deliberative Council of Epuyén declared a state of catastrophe, at least until June, as fire foci have reactivated in the area, which could lead to the evacuation of residents. Through Ordinance No. 1388/2026, the council members of Epuyén, the small town located in the northwest of the province, declared a State of Emergency in seven areas: fire, social, environmental, economic, tourist, housing, and health. The measure was approved unanimously in response to the magnitude of the disaster that began on January 5 in El Hoyo, which has already destroyed about 12,000 hectares, destroying homes and collapsing water and electricity services. In addition, this declaration, which will be valid until June 30, grants special powers to the mayor (José Contreras) to make direct contracts and manage urgent financial assistance from the provincial and national governments, without the usual administrative deadlines. Meanwhile, the magnitude of the fire in Puerto Patriada forced authorities to take extreme precautions, and for this reason, they asked residents to be alert to the possibility of having to evacuate them in the coming hours. Gusts of wind of up to 40 kilometers, combined with drought and heat, have combined to reactivate fire foci amidst the tragedy plaguing this region of the province, according to the Noticias Argentinas agency. Meanwhile, Vice President Victoria Villarruel announced that she will request an "update" of penalties for those found guilty of intentionally starting fires. In a post on social media X, Villarruel indicated that "Our Patagonia is a good for all Argentines and future generations and we must never stint on its care and protection."
