Livestock Perish as ‘Monster’ Wildfires Sweep Through Argentina’s Ranchlands

Wildfires have devastated 40,000 hectares (approximately 400 square kilometers) of Argentina’s key farming region in Córdoba, resulting in the destruction of livestock, homes, forests, and fields.
In the heavily affected town of Capilla del Monte, heart-wrenching images depict charred cows amidst the ruins of once-thriving landscapes. Residents described the sound of the flames as monstrous, with one local, artist Hugo Ávila, recalling, “It sounded like a turbine, like a growl… we escaped from something that was coming to consume us.” He managed to flee with his dogs and neighbors, only to return moments later to find everything engulfed in flames.
President Javier Milei is scheduled to visit the region on Wednesday, shortly after returning from the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
Firefighters are battling the blazes using water tanker aircraft and helicopters in an effort to protect urban areas. The situation has been exacerbated by extreme heat and drought, which have contributed to record wildfire activity across South America, from Bolivia to Brazil.
One of the Local livestock farmer shared the devastation on his land, stating that 98% has burned. Some animals perished while others were rescued, but he noted, “Right now, they remain in pens but they don’t have food, and water is scarce due to the drought. It’s complicated.”
The impact of these wildfires is staggering, leaving communities in dire need.