Wildfires in south Argentina rip through nearly 12,000 hectares of forest, threatening communities

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) — Raging wildfires in the Argentine Patagonia have blazed through nearly 12,000 hectares of scrubland and planted and native forests, threatening local communities, according to firefighting authorities in a report published Sunday.

The fires started almost a week ago in the Andean region of the Argentine province of Chubut and are putting a power plant and a school at risk as well as affecting rural properties.

The causes of the fires have not yet been established, but Chubut Gov. Ignacio Torres told journalists on Thursday there are indications that one of the biggest active fires was deliberately set.

“The wretches who started the fire are going to end up in jail,” Torres said, while announcing a reward of 50 million pesos (approximately $34,000) for anyone who provides information about the incident.

Volunteer firefighter Jorge Aranea in El Hoyo was battling to control the flames on Friday.

“It’s sad to see everything burning. And sometimes you do what you can and it’s not enough. What’s happening is terrible,” he said.

Saturday on X, Chilean President Gabriel Boric offered to help the Argentine government combat the active fire fronts.

Chief-of-staff and spokesperson for the Argentine executive branch Manuel Adorni said on Sunday that 295 firefighters have been deployed for the firefighting operation, which includes 15 aerial resources, fire engines and logistical support from the Armed Forces.

In addition to the fire in Chubut, there are active wildfires in the Patagonian province of Neuquen, according to the Federal Emergency Agency. Santa Cruz and Rio Negro have said their fires have been contained, although they remain under emergency status.

The wildfires come a year after the worst blazes in decades devastated tens of thousands of hectares in the Patagonia region, destroying dozens of homes and leaving one person dead.

Firefighting efforts have been hampered by drought conditions and strong winds, while massive columns of smoke have reduced visibility for responders.

Wildfires are common during the austral summer season due to the combination of high temperatures, strong winds and drought that prevail between December and March.

Maxi Jonas in El Hoyo contributed to this report.

Firefighters battle flames as wildfires blaze in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)

Firefighters battle flames as wildfires blaze in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)

People walk on a road as a wildfire blazes in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)

A firefighter walks on a road as wildfires blaze in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)

Firefighters stand on a truck as wildfires blaze in El Hoyo, Patagonia, Argentina, late Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Maxi Jonas)

Michael Olise scored twice as Bayern Munich started the new year by routing Wolfsburg 8-1 with six second-half goals to move 11 points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

Olise, Harry Kane and Luis Díaz picked apart the Wolfsburg defense on Sunday in a display of dominance which leaves Bayern firmly on course to defend the title in only the 16th game of the 34-game season.

Bayern coach Vincent Kompany was pleased his players didn't let up.

“It’s these moments where it’s five, six, 7-1, and they keep running, they keep pressing and keep trying to score goals," he told broadcaster DAZN. "I have to say, I like that.”

In freezing temperatures for Bayern's first game since the winter break, Olise got a brace and Kane and Díaz one apiece, along with goals for substitutes Raphael Guerreiro and Leon Goretzka, and two Wolfsburg own-goals.

Bayern only had two nervous moments all game. The first was Dzenan Pejcinovic's goal for Wolfsburg in the 13th, which leveled the score at 1-1 after right back Konrad Laimer missed an interception.

The other was a brief injury scare for Kane, who needed treatment after being caught on the ankle by defender Moritz Jenz midway through the first half but was soon back in action.

It was Bayern's biggest margin of victory in a Bundesliga game since Kompany took over ahead of the 2024-25 season. His team has scored a remarkable 63 goals in 16 league games this season, nearly four per game, and conceded only 12.

Bayern hasn't lost a Bundesliga game since March and remains the only unbeaten team in any of Europe's five biggest leagues. Wolfsburg is 14th, three points above the relegation zone, as a troubled season hits a new low.

Bayern's closest rivals all had difficulties this weekend as second-place Borussia Dortmund drew 3-3 with Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayer Leverkusen lost 4-1 to Stuttgart and Leipzig’s game was postponed due to snow.

Wolfburg's American midfielder Kevin Paredes entered in the 77th minute, his first match this season after recovering from foot surgery in August.

Also Sunday, United States full back Joe Scally scored his first goal since 2023 as Borussia Moenchengladbach beat Augsburg 4-0. Gladbach moved up two places to 10th after winning at home for only the second time this season.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Munich's Luis Diaz celebrates scoring during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in Munich, Germany, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)

Munich's Michael Olise celebrates scoring during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in Munich, Germany, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)

Mönchengladbach's Joe Scally, center, celebrates scoring with teammates during the Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Mönchengladbach - FC Augsburg in Mönchengladbach, Germany, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (Marius Becker/dpa via AP)

Munich's Michael Olise celebrates scoring during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in Munich, Germany, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (Sven Hoppe/dpa via AP)

Munich's Harry Kane celebrates scoring during the Bundesliga soccer match between Bayern Munich and VfL Wolfsburg in Munich, Germany, Sunday Jan. 11, 2026. (Tom Weller/dpa via AP)