Wildfires in Patagonia are affecting four national parks in Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and Santa Cruz, with over 50,000 hectares burned and more than 500 firefighters battling the blazes. The situation is critical in Chubut, where the fire threatens roads and homes in El Hoyo, forcing teams to retreat for safety. Extreme weather conditions are complicating containment efforts.
On Sunday, February 1, 2026, wildfires in Patagonia reached critical levels, with active blazes in four national parks that have ravaged over 50,000 hectares. According to the National Parks Administration (APN) report, the complexity is extreme due to simultaneity in the provinces of Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and Santa Cruz.
The most severe situation is in Chubut, particularly in the El Hoyo area, where the fire has consumed around 50,000 hectares. The blaze threatens roads, homes, and productive areas, leading to preventive evacuations. Firefighters face difficult terrain, advancing on foot with chainsaws and manual tools. In some sectors, teams retreated for safety reasons and plan to resume the attack with a different strategy on Monday.
In Los Alerces National Park, a key hotspot, 247 APN personnel are operating in coordination with the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE) and 265 Chubut officials. Additionally, 300 firefighters are on alert for rotations. The park's North Entrance has been closed, and nautical recreation restricted on Lake Futalaufquen, with priority for logistical vehicles. The deployment includes 20 aerial assets, such as helicopters and water-bomber planes loading from nearby lakes.
High temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity are exacerbating spread, reactivating contained spots. The national government will declare Fire Emergency for Santa Cruz, joining Chubut, Río Negro, Neuquén, and La Pampa to streamline resources.
"We tried to advance but it got complicated and we're retreating. The main thing is the safety of the firefighters, who are doing great work. We'll review and attack differently tomorrow," explained a fighter to TN.
The crisis has prompted reactions, such as actress Camila Bordonaba's tears over the impact on places significant to her.
