Argentina - January 07, 2026 On the evening of January 7, 2026, a dramatic wildfire tore through the hills near Cerro Pirque in the Chubut Province of Patagonia. Aerial footage captured by X user Fer Carmine shows thick smoke plumes rising from multiple hotspots across the rugged, forested slopes. The approximately one-minute drone video reveals bright orange flames consuming dense green native forests and patches of previously burned or cleared land. In the foreground, a calm lake, likely Lago Epuyén, reflects the fiery scene, contrasting with the chaos across the shore. Smoke obscures distant ridges beneath a cloudy sky, and strong upward convection suggests the fire could spread rapidly. This wildfire is part of ongoing fires in the northwest Chubut region, which have become increasingly severe due to dry summer conditions, heatwaves, and drought. Residents and authorities have expressed growing concern, with families facing evacuations and threats to property in nearby communities. Calls for donations are being made to support affected populations as firefighters and volunteers work to contain the blaze. While no major national news outlets have yet highlighted this specific fire as of January 9, 2026, it reflects a broader pattern of heightened wildfire activity in southern Argentina during the austral summer.