Multiple instances of intentional fires are attacking Los Alerces Park in the Bariloche region

Authorities responding to the fire crisis at Los Alerces National Park in Chubut confirmed that the recent new outbreaks of fire were deliberately caused. The scale of these events presents an unprecedented challenge for emergency teams in Bariloche and surrounding areas, prompting relentless mobilization of resources and specialized personnel to contain the spread of the flames.

The escalation of arson fires raises alarm in the Bariloche region

For days, strong winds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour reignited the flames of the fire known as La Tapera, which started last week in the southern part of the protected area. At the same time, a second active fire was detected near Salina Settlement, located in the central sector of the park over the Desaguadero River valley. Both hotspots remain under constant surveillance, fueled by the adverse atmospheric conditions typical of the season.

What’s concerning is that these hotspots reignited three times over a 72-hour period, showing a systematic pattern that raised suspicions among authorities.

Official confirmation: deliberate origin of the new fires

During a recent meeting between the National Parks Administration (APN) and the Federal Emergency Agency (AFE) of the Ministry of Security, experts conclusively determined that these fires were intentionally set. Authorities highlight a troubling fact: 95 percent of forest fires in the region are caused by direct human action, reflecting a recurring problem that extends beyond this particular crisis.

This clear intent causes significant damage to both the fragile Patagonian forest ecosystem and local economic interests, especially tourism, which is a key pillar for communities near Bariloche.

Legal actions and ongoing investigations

Following this confirmation of deliberate arson, authorities initiated formal legal proceedings and called in experts from the Argentine Federal Police to intensify investigations. Additional technical and scientific resources have been mobilized to provide evidence for ongoing processes. The goal is to identify and prosecute those responsible for acts that threaten human lives and protected ecosystems.

Increased security controls at access points to Bariloche

In response to the crisis, security and surveillance measures at all access points to the protected area—including rural zones and local roads—will be significantly strengthened. A special operation will deploy mobile units patrolling towns and monitoring the movements of outsiders, aiming to prevent future intentional incidents.

The La Tapera fire was brought under control during nighttime hours, although several secondary hotspots remained active. Operations involve teams from Los Alerces National Park, the Chubut Provincial Fire Management Service, Trevelin Volunteer Firefighters, and operational units from across the region.

Interagency coordination amid the crisis

The current operation runs parallel to efforts to combat a larger wildfire that began several months ago in the Los Alerces sector and was transferred to provincial jurisdiction on January 21, extending its effects toward Villa Lago Rivadavia. This previous fire is now contained, though ongoing patrols continue to locate residual heat spots and perform targeted cooling.

The fire called La Tapera started near the towns of Toro and Burgos, in the southern end of Los Alerces National Park near the Grande-Futaleufú River. According to reports from the Operational Command, the fire’s nighttime spread did not affect structures or homes in the area, allowing resources to focus on containment without immediate risk to populations.

Today, a drone flight was conducted to precisely determine the active perimeter of the fire. This assessment helped evaluate safety conditions for access routes so firefighting crews can enter the area with support from boats for transportation and machinery for creating firebreaks and containment strips.

Technical deployment and operational restrictions

The National Fire Management Service (SNMF) maintains three AT 802 water-dropping aircraft, two Fire Boss amphibious planes, and two Bell 407 helicopters in the area for coordinated aerial operations. These aircraft perform intermittent water drops over active sectors, leading to operational restrictions on the Amutui Quimey Reservoir and sections of the Grande-Futaleufú River near La Tapera. During aerial operations, boating activities and presence of people in these zones are prohibited as a key safety measure.

Road safety advisories for the Bariloche community

With Los Alerces National Park recently reopened to tourism, the Unified Command has issued reminders about shared use of Routes 71 and 259 by civilian vehicles and emergency response units. Authorities ask visitors to pay close attention to speed limits and drive alertly, especially on winding and cliffside roads, to facilitate the priority passage of emergency vehicles responding to the fires in Los Alerces Park.