Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva pledged 'no impunity' for those sparking Chubut's ongoing wildfires—95% human-caused—while federal teams combat flames affecting thousands of hectares. Route 40 reopened amid over 3,000 evacuations, but strong winds threaten further spread.
Following mass evacuations of over 3,000 people and confirmation of intentional arson in areas like El Hoyo and Puerto Patriada, the national government has escalated its response to the Patagonia wildfires.
In a social media video, Minister Monteoliva declared: “We will search for them and we will find them,” directing the Federal Investigations Department to pursue perpetrators, including potential criminal organizations. These fires mark the worst environmental crisis in two decades, destroying forests and infrastructure across Chubut, Santa Cruz, Neuquén, Río Negro, and Buenos Aires.
Federal support includes 75 firefighters, water-bombing planes, helicopters, fire trucks, and drones, coordinated with the Federal Emergency Agency and provincial teams. Key hotspots: Primera Cantera–Puerto Patriada (362 personnel deployed) and Puerto Café in Los Alerces National Park (aerial monitoring).
The National Road Authority lifted a preventive closure on Route 40, but forecasts of high winds and dry conditions persist. Officials urge reporting suspicious activity amid the crisis.
