Wildfires in Chubut Province, Patagonia, Argentina (January 2026)The X post from @Top_Disaster

 shows a video of a massive wildfire reaching National Route 40 between the towns of Epuyén and El Hoyo in Chubut Province, Argentine Patagonia. The footage captures intense flames engulfing roadside trees, thick smoke reducing visibility, and a vehicle cautiously driving through with emergency lights flashing, highlighting the rapid spread and immediate danger to traffic.Current Situation (as of January 9, 2026)The fires, which started earlier in the week (around January 6), have burned thousands of hectares (reports vary from over 2,000 to 3,500+ hectares affected in the region).

More than 3,000 tourists and some residents were evacuated from areas like Puerto Patriada near Lake Epuyén.

National Route 40 was fully closed in the Epuyén-El Hoyo section due to flames crossing the road and heavy smoke, with preventive closures and traffic restrictions in place.

Firefighting efforts involve hundreds of brigadists, helicopters, water-bombing planes (including a large Boeing 737 FireLiner), and support from national and provincial agencies.

Conditions are exacerbated by high temperatures, strong winds, and drought, with a red alert in effect.buenosairesherald.com

Suspicions of ArsonAuthorities, including Chubut Governor Ignacio Torres, have stated that at least some fires appear intentional (possibly started with accelerants). A reward of 50 million pesos (about $33,000 USD) has been offered for information leading to those responsible. Officials emphasize that 95% of wildfires are caused by human actions, though investigations are ongoing.This comes a year after severe fires in the same region burned tens of thousands of hectares, impacting tourism and local ecosystems in Patagonia.Sources: Reports from Buenos Aires Times, Buenos Aires Herald, NASA Earth Observatory, and local Argentine media (e.g., Río Negro, Infobae). The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing containment efforts.