Governance and management of forest fire prevention in Argentine Andean-Patagonian Forest

Purpose This paper aims to examine why subnational governments respond differently to forest fire risk, despite facing similar environmental threats. Focusing on the Argentine provinces of Chubut and Tierra del Fuego, it explores how variations in political decision-making and the formation of state–society coalitions influence the design and implementation of disaster risk governance strategies. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a qualitative comparative case study approach, combining 41 semi-structured interviews with content analysis of public documents and funding databases. The analysis is guided by a governance-based framework that emphasizes how institutional visions and state–society coalitions shape variation in subnational disaster risk responses. Findings The study finds that Tierra del Fuego implemented a more integrated and prevention-oriented strategy through alliances with socio-environmental organizations, despite limited bureaucratic capacity. This approach reflects a more holistic vision of forest management, with greater potential to reduce fire risk. In contrast, Chubut relied on a reactive, suppression-focused model, prioritizing productive land use and showing limited engagement with conservation actors. Originality/value This paper contributes to the disaster risk governance literature by showing how variation in subnational responses to forest fire risk is shaped by policy vision and state–society coalitions, rather than solely by administrative capacity. The findings underscore the practical value of fostering collaborative, prevention-oriented strategies in resource-constrained settings. These insights are particularly relevant for policymakers seeking to design more effective, inclusive and sustainable risk-reduction frameworks. Socially, the study highlights how integrated approaches to forest management can reduce community vulnerability, strengthen environmental stewardship and promote participatory governance in territories exposed to climate risks.