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Patagonia Wildfires Pass 50,000 Hectares as Route 71 Closes and Santa Cruz Becomes a Disaster Zone

A new federal designation in Santa Cruz concentrates resources on a sprawling multi-park emergency.

Overview

  • Parque Nacional Los Alerces remains the epicenter with active fronts, while lightning ignitions sustained hotspots in Lago Puelo, Nahuel Huapi and Lanín.
  • More than 500 firefighters and brigadistas are deployed with 20 aircraft in rotation under APN, AFE and provincial coordination.
  • Authorities limited access in Los Alerces by closing the North Gate and restricting recreational navigation on Lake Futalaufquen to support aerial operations.
  • Dangerous heat, strong winds and very low humidity continue to drive erratic fire behavior, with only light rain in the forecast offering uncertain relief.
  • Federal prosecutors in Esquel opened a case into the ignition and reactivation of the Los Alerces fire, which remains under investigation.