More than 1,400 hectares of forest have already been hit by fires in Los Alerces National Park, in the province of Chubut, northern Patagonia.

Authorities are looking for those responsible, as there are indications of intentionality.

Environment Minister Juan Cabandié visited the area on Thursday and described the disaster as "environmental genocide" and expressed his wish that the culprits be punished.

Firefighting teams from several provinces are working in the area, supported by a national government helicopter.

It is worth remembering that on the other side of the Andes, Chile is facing a devastating wave of forest fires, which have already left 24 dead.