Wildfire near San Francisco del Monte de Oro

Satellites are picking up an intense heat signature from an active wildfire burning near San Francisco del Monte de Oro, Argentina, which has already grown to cover 500 hectares, or 1,236 acres. Having started on August 20, 2026, the fire front is generating significant thermal energy, with space-based sensors registering 20 distinct heat detections in the immediate area over the past 48 hours to map its current spread.

This incident unfolds during a remarkably subdued year for fire activity across the country. In total, 605,319 hectares have burned so far in 2026, tracking 85% below the two-decade average for the nation. While the country's typical fire season spans from December to March, this active blaze near San Francisco del Monte de Oro demonstrates that localized threats can still emerge outside of those traditional peak months.