Recent fire incidents at Los Alerces National Park in Chubut, Argentina, have been confirmed as intentionally set by authorities. A fire known as La Tapera ignited last Friday and has seen a resurgence due to strong winds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour. This situation is described as dire as firefighting efforts are challenged by the erratic weather and the location of these active fires within a protected area.

In addition to La Tapera, another fire has been reported near the Salina population center within the park, highlighting a troubling pattern of intentional arson in the region. During a technical meeting, officials emphasized that the patterns of fire location and occurrence—three separate fires initiated within a short 72-hour timeframe—is a clear indication of deliberate human action. This brings attention to the vulnerabilities of natural areas in the face of criminal activities that disrupt ecosystems and threaten wildlife.

The ongoing legal actions against those responsible for starting these fires reflect a growing concern regarding the protection of national parks in Argentina. As the situation continues to develop, it underscores tensions between human actions and environmental safety, urging both legal and community responses to protect vital natural resources and address the societal issues that lead to such destructive acts.