Raging wildfires in the Argentine Patagonia have blazed through nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and planted and native forests, threatening local communities, according to firefighting authorities. (Pics/AFP)
Updated On: 2026-01-12 08:31 AM IST
Compiled by : ronak mastakar
The fires started almost a week ago in the Andean region of the Argentine province of Chubut and are putting a power plant and a school at risk as well as affecting rural properties, the authorities said on Sunday
The causes of the fires have not yet been established, but Chubut Gov Ignacio Torres told journalists on Thursday there are indications that one of the biggest active fires was deliberately set
"The wretches who started the fire are going to end up in jail," Torres said, while announcing a reward of 50 million pesos (approximately USD 34,000) for anyone who provides information about the incident
"It's sad to see everything burning. And sometimes you do what you can and it's not enough. What's happening is terrible," he said
Chilean President Gabriel Boric on Saturday offered to help the Argentine government combat the active fire fronts
Chief-of-staff and spokesperson for the Argentine executive branch Manuel Adorni said on Sunday that 295 firefighters have been deployed for the firefighting operation, which includes 15 aerial resources, fire engines and logistical support from the Armed Forces
