A major forest fire in southern Argentina has consumed more than 5,500 hectares of forest, grassland and brush as of Saturday, authorities confirmed — forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents and tourists and prompting emergency cooperation from neighboring countries.

The blaze, which began on Monday in the Puerto Patriada area — a popular lakeside destination near Lake Epuyén in the Comarca Andina of Chubut Province — has rapidly grown in intensity amid high temperatures, strong winds and prolonged drought conditions.

Local officials report that around 3,000 tourists who were visiting Puerto Patriada’s scenic lakeside beaches and trails have been evacuated, along with at least 15 families from nearby Epuyén, a town of about 2,000 residents. More than 10 homes have been destroyed, and reports suggest additional structures remain at risk as flames approach residential zones.

Residents described the situation as chaotic and frightening. “There’s no way to describe what we’re living through. Every five minutes a new fire starts. It’s hell,” said local resident Flavia Broffoni in a social media post.

Officials say nearly 500 firefighters, brigadistas, volunteers, and support personnel are currently deployed to contain the blaze. Reinforcements — including additional crews and aerial support — are expected from Argentina’s Córdoba Province and from Chile, whose government has formally offered international cooperation and assistance in firefighting efforts.

Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres warned that the next 48 hours will be critical for controlling the fire, citing forecasts for adverse weather that could fuel further spread.

The current blaze is part of a broader trend of increasingly severe wildfire seasons across Patagonia. Over the past year, wildfires have scorched tens of thousands of hectares across multiple provinces — including significant losses in Río Negro and Neuquén — raising concerns among authorities and environmental groups.

Climate experts have pointed to higher-than-normal temperatures, prolonged dry spells and low humidity levels as factors contributing to the heightened fire risk this season. These conditions complicate containment and intensify the threat to both natural ecosystems and human settlements.

The Comarca Andina region, known for its lakes, forests and outdoor recreation, has seen its tourism industry disrupted as evacuation orders and fire warnings keep visitors away. Puerto Patriada’s shores — often referred to as the “Patagonian Caribbean” for their striking blue waters — are now marred by smoke and ash as crews focus on protecting key access routes and communities.

Authorities remain on high alert, urging nearby towns and villages to stay prepared for evolving conditions as the firefight continues in one of Argentina’s most iconic natural landscapes. (ILKHA)