Wildfires sweep Patagonia as critics blame budget cuts straining Argentina’s ability to fight back

Blazes have burned more than 80 square miles in southern Argentina, while residents flee, firefighters struggle with shrinking resources and officials clash over the causes.

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Wildfires in Argentine Patagonia have been a constant for the last few years, with their intensity and impact increasing as prevention programs have been scaled back. Environmental groups and fire specialists have warned that hotter, drier summers are making the region more vulnerable to large fires. And while independent brigades and public first responders struggled incessantly to extinguish the fire, locals begged for more consistent federal aid.

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There are fewer people dedicated to assessing, alerting and eventually fighting the fires, too. A 2023 report from the National Park office said it needed at least 700 wildland responders across the country. But there are fewer than 400 today, said Alejo Fardjoume, a National Parks employee for more than two decades and representative in the national public workers union.

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After days of locals demanding federal aid, Milei’s chief of staff Manuel Adorni said Sunday 295 firefighters have been deployed to fight the fires, along with aerial resources, fire engines and logistical support from the military.