February 11, 2025
Wildfires in Patagonia Argentina, are currently ravaging thousands of hectares of native forests. In just the past two months (December 2024–January 2025), over 20,000 hectares have burned across three provinces: Chubut, Río Negro, and Neuquén. This is equivalent to 28,000 football fields in the USA. 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.
[↑ Epuyen Lake, 20km south of El Bolsón.
“Never in my life have I seen four consecutive years of so many wildfires in Patagonia,” shares Alan Schwer, 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. [... ] And beyond climate changes, population growth is increasing the number of fires caused by arson, accidents, and negligence.”
[↑ Fires devastating a neighborhood next to the Azul River on the day they began. Photo: Jade Sivori.
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 (notably, in the Turbio Valley). It’s also a popular jumping-off point for world-renowned destinations such as Valle Encantado, Frey, and Piedra Parada.
[↑ Shawn Raboutou on an 8a+ (5.13c) in Frey, Bariloche, Argentine Patagonia. Frey, which has world-class spire climbing full of cracks, crimps, and slabs on beautiful orange granite, is just 40km from the fires. Photo: Ben Neilson]
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. Alarmingly, two of these fires are occurring inside national parks, further endangering fragile ecosystems” says Esteban Degregori, from Acceso PanAm, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting access and promoting the conservation of climbing and mountaineering areas in Latin America.
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.
Community Response and Call for Support
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.
GoFundMe: Fires in Patagonia — An Urgent Call to the Climbing Community
[→ Alejandro Lonso lost his house and all his belongings during the Confluencia Fire. Photo: Jade Sivori]
"I was really saddened to hear about the fires endangering Northern Patagonia right now," says professional climber and filmmaker Cedar Wright. "The climbing in that area is pristine and world class and it will be gut wrenching to see crags and wild land destroyed. Sending big love to all the climbers in and around Bariloche that are volunteering their time and energy to fight this natural disaster."
How Climbers Can Help
The climbing community can play a pivotal role in supporting El Bolsón during this crisis:
- Donate: Contribute to the GoFundMe campaign to provide immediate financial assistance for firefighting and relief efforts.
- 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.
[↑ Piedra Parada, the biggest sport climbing area in Argentine Patagonia. El Bolsón, where the fires are raging, is the jumping-off point to get to Piedra Parada. Photo: Vianney Lhoumeau]
Feature Image: Turbio IV Valley, in El Bolsón, offers 3,000' granite big walls in the middle of the Andes. The Confluencia Fire, which many members of the climbing community are helping to fight, is currently only 40km away. Photo: Vianney Lhoumeau