Argentina: Emergency crews continue working to contain multiple wildfires, Dec. 30

Event

Emergency crews are working to contain several wildfires burning across Argentina as of Dec. 30. Authorities have not provided an estimated containment date for the fire; hot and dry conditions may hamper firefighting efforts over the coming days. Additional wildfire growth is likely. Authorities have declared a state of emergency for the whole country through at least Dec. 2022 due to the extreme risk of forest and grassland fires throughout the year, especially during periods of prolonged drought.

As of Dec. 29, there are five active fires and three contained fires across Chubut, Formosa, Misiones, Neuquen, Rio Negro, Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe provinces. More than 300,000 hectares (741,316 acres) of land have been destroyed. A helicopter has crashed near Quillen Lake in Neuquen Province while fighting the fire Dec. 29, killing two people on board. Authorities have warned that evacuation orders might be issued to the populated areas in the vicinity of Lake Steffen in Rio Negro Province due to an advancing wildfire.

Transport
National Route 40 is closed between Bariloche and El Bolson due to smoke from the wildfire between Martin and Steffen lakes. The wildfires could cause additional localized transport disruptions in the affected area. Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. Traffic flows could also be disrupted during re-entry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.