The Ministry of Security reported that the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE) is operating “throughout the national territory, and particularly in the province of Chubut, to combat forest fires,” and warned that those responsible for the fires “caused by negligence or deliberate criminal actions” will be identified and prosecuted.
“Setting a fire is not a mistake: it is a serious crime. No storms or natural discharges were recorded in the affected area, and the prosecutor reported the presence of accelerants, which confirms the intentional nature of the act,” added the ministry, led by Alejandra Monteoliva.
The area is being investigated for deliberate incidents that may be linked to self-proclaimed Mapuche terrorist groups, with a proven history of attacks on public security and private property under the modality of eco-terrorism, the Security Ministry detailed in a communiqué accessed by the Argentine News Agency. It added: “There will be no impunity. The one who sets fire pays.”
It was recalled that “in the areas determined by the National Parks Administration and provincial authorities, any form of open fire on public lands in the mountain area and in any space not expressly authorized is strictly prohibited.”
The ministry stated that it is deploying water-dropping aircraft, helicopters, brigades, Federal firefighters, and heavy equipment, integrated into the provincial emergency system.
“Since its creation, the AFE has maintained continuous monitoring of risks linked to emergencies and disasters. In that context, during the month of October, all provinces were warned of a high-risk season,” it was indicated.
It was also detailed that since December 2, the AFE's permanent monitoring and operational deployment throughout the national territory has been published, with updated information on the situation, resources, and federal assistance.
“In the fire affecting Puerto Patriada, province of Chubut, the federal device includes 46 firefighters, volunteer firefighters, technical teams and pilots, 4 water-dropping aircraft, 1 helicopter, trucks, quads, and fire trucks,” the Security Ministry specified.
“It should be noted that 95% of fires have a human origin. The Ministry will identify, arrest, and bring those responsible to trial.”
