Austerity hinders fight against wildfires in Argentina’s Patagonia

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by By News AgenciesFebruary 3, 2026 at 10:39 AM

AI Summary

short article 2 min

Wildfires are devastating Argentina's Patagonia region, impacting over 450 sq km of native forests, including the Los Alerces National Park, and forcing thousands to evacuate. The crisis coincides with President Javier Milei's austerity measures, which have significantly reduced the National Fire Management Service's budget. Critics, including environmental groups, argue that these budget cuts have hindered emergency preparedness, especially as climate change exacerbates the situation. Despite Milei declaring a state of emergency and allocating funds for firefighting, the burned area has already surpassed last year's total, intensifying pressure on his administration. The fires threaten ancient alerce trees and have consumed an area more than twice the size of Buenos Aires.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Buenos Aires 30% Hernan Giardini 35% Greenpeace 40% Ariel Slipak 40% Los Alerces National Park 50% FARN ×260% Chubut province ×265% National Fire Management Service 70% Argentina ×380% Patagonia ×285% Javier Milei ×490%

Keywords

wildfires 100% austerity cuts 90% argentina 80% patagonia 80% fire management budget 70% javier milei 60% climate change 60% national fire management service 50% state of emergency 50% environmental policy 40%