The Argentine government is considering adding the Forest Emergency Law to the agenda of an extraordinary session. This move comes in response to the request from governors of Patagonian provinces affected by massive forest fires. As of the end of January, the fire has affected approximately 230,000 hectares of land. The governors of Chubut, Río Negro, La Pampa, Neuquén, and Santa Cruz are demanding that the provinces be given free allocation and reallocation of budget funds to use national resources. They also call for strengthened coordination between the federal government and the regions, accelerated deployment of aerial assets and equipment, and direct assistance to affected populations. Although the executive branch could extend the existing 2022 decree, the governors aim to pass a full-fledged law during the extraordinary session, which begins on February 2. Cabinet members have expressed concern about the situation and confirmed that the Ministries of Security and Defense have already dispatched resources to assist the provinces. The political commission, which met last Monday, has not yet discussed the request but plans to do so next week.
