Northern Patagonia Is on Fire. Here’s How Climbers Can Help.

Wildfires in Argentine Patagonia are currently ravaging thousands of hectares of native forests. In just two months, over 20,000 hectares have burned across three provinces: Chubut, Río Negro, and Neuquén. This is equivalent to 28,000 football fields. Experts warn that the situation will remain critical at least until April 2025.

El Bolsón, a renowned hub for outdoor enthusiasts in the Chubut Region of Argentine Patagonia, is currently facing severe wildfires that have ravaged approximately 3,000 hectares of forested land. The fires, which began on January 30, 2025, in the Cajon del Azul hiking area, have led to the evacuation of over 800 residents and resulted in one fatality due to smoke inhalation. But the loss of property and destruction of livelihoods in El Bolsón has already been devastating; the situation only looks like it will get worse, as residents volunteer day after day to fight the fires.

Fire prevention teams are overwhelmed and struggling to contain the blazes. Limited government funding has forced communities to mobilize their own resources, relying heavily on volunteers and grassroots organizations for direct support. Much of the climbing community is literally on the front lines, fighting the fires.

“Never in my life have I seen four consecutive years of so many wildfires in Patagonia,” says Alan Schwer, a climber, mountain guide, and renowned filmmaker from Patagonia. “Neither my parents nor my grandparents ever witnessed this. When I was a kid, I saw just one thunderstorm in the ’90s….”

Significance to the Climbing Community

El Bolsón is, in many ways, similar to Bishop, California. Situated on the east side of the Andes mountains, it offers everything from nearby cragging to remote big walling on world-class granite. Just last week Climbing covered a notable first ascent in its Turbio Valley. It’s also a popular jumping-off point for world-renowned destinations such as Valle Encantado, Frey, and Piedra Parada.

The fires are spreading just 125 miles from Piedra Parada and 788 miles from El Chaltén, two of the region’s most iconic climbing destinations. “Northern Patagonia is home to 120 climbing sectors, many of which are now at risk,” says Esteban Degregori, a member of Acceso PanAm, a non-profit which protects access and promotes the conservation of climbing areas in Latin America. “Alarmingly, two of these fires are occurring inside national parks, further endangering fragile ecosystems.”

The ongoing wildfires pose a significant threat to these climbing areas, potentially leading to trail closures, habitat destruction, and long-term ecological impacts that could affect climbing activities. Moreover, many prominent Argentinean and international climbers have had their lives altered—and homes and businesses ravaged—by these fires.

How Climbers Can Help

Local communities and volunteers have mobilized to combat the fires, but resources are limited. There is an urgent need for firefighting equipment, including backpack pumps, gloves, eye protection, rakes, shovels, and other tools. Efforts are underway to gather supplies and provide support to those affected.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established to raise funds for firefighting efforts and to assist displaced residents. Contributions will aid in procuring necessary equipment and supporting recovery initiatives.

The climbing community can play a pivotal role in supporting El Bolsón during this crisis:

• Raise awareness: Share information about the wildfires and the needs of the El Bolsón community within climbing networks and on social media platforms.
• Volunteer: For those in proximity, consider offering time or resources to local organizations coordinating firefighting and relief operations.

El Bolsón has long been a cherished destination for climbers worldwide. In this time of need, the global climbing community’s support can make a meaningful difference in preserving the area’s natural beauty and aiding its residents.

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