Patagonia is weathering the onslaught of four massive wildfires, which have led to the death of a beloved local, the destruction of almost 20,000 hectares, and over 1,000 evacuations. Social media is awash with calls for financial aid from those who have lost their homes to the blaze, and one community is mourning the loss of an elderly local.

The largest of the wildfires, known as Los Manzanos, is in the Nahuel Huapi National Park, which has reported that over 10,000 hectares have burned since it began on December 25. Several trails have been closed off, and four national parks (Nahuel Huapi, Lanín, Lago Puelo, and Los Alerces) have forbidden making fires. 

Another intense wildfire has hit El Bolsón hard, particularly in the area of Mallín Ahogado, where 87-year-old Ángel Reyes lived. The man, known affectionately as “Don Reyes,” had gone missing last week and was found dead on Saturday. According to local media outlet Río Negro, the family had managed to contact him, but he refused to leave the area in order to take care of his animals.

Río Negro police sent more firefighters to the area on Tuesday, with the province’s Police Chief Daniel Bertazzo saying there were over 100 working around the clock. “We have reinforcements from all over the province and special groups that have come to work to ensure the safety of all the people who are working in the area,” Bertazzo said in a press release. 

Río Negro Governor Alberto Weretilneck said in a radio interview that as well as “the irreparable loss of a deceased neighbor,” the area has been struck with the burning of 3,000 hectares of forest, the destruction of more than 100 houses, and countless dead animals.

The most recent wildfire began on January 30 in Neuquén’s Magdalena Valley of Lanín National Park. It has already torn through 4,000 hectares.

There is contention regarding the origin of the wildfires, although authorities have stated that they were intentional. The governor claimed that a glass bottle was found near where the fire started, and authorities are investigating the case as arson.

“We’re looking at an intentional fire, and we have already proved it by finding the container that could have caused it. It’s a criminal issue because it’s not just an attack against nature and native forests but also the consequences it brought,” Weretilneck told Radio Mitre.