Devastating Forest Fires Ravage Southern Chile’s Regions

Forest fires in southern Chile have destroyed over 15,000 hectares, particularly impacting areas like Traiguén. Timely evacuations have avoided fatalities, although there were injuries among police. A red alert has been declared, and government support has been pledged in response to the devastation caused by these fires driven by strong winds and high temperatures.

Recent forest fires in south-central Chile have wreaked havoc across multiple regions, including La Araucanía, Biobío, Ñuble, and Los Ríos, consuming over 15,000 hectares of land. The area most severely affected was Traiguén, where significant property damage occurred, including the destruction of eight homes and a school. Fortunately, timely evacuations have prevented any fatalities, although two police officers sustained injuries due to the flames. The communities most impacted include Padre las Casas, Freire, Gorbea, Traiguén, Galvarino, Mulchén, Tirúa, and Paillaco.

The fires are exacerbated by the strong “Puelche” winds from the east, prompting the evacuation of many families. Local authorities have reported nearly 100 individuals forced to relocate and have suspended classes at 44 schools, affecting over 6,600 students. To combat this crisis, a red alert has been issued for the Biobío, Araucanía, and Los Ríos regions, with firefighting teams deployed to manage 27 active fires, while 34 fires are reported to be under control and one has been extinguished.

In response to the crisis, President Gabriel Boric Font has pledged government support to the affected communities, stating, “I have instructed the entire government to be deployed in response to these fires and that we are with those affected and their families.” He emphasized the significance of fire prevention measures, attributing most fires to human actions. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde characterized the situation as “complex.”

The ongoing fires are intensified by high temperatures and winds reaching over 60 km/h, reminiscent of past devastating wildfires. Notable is the catastrophic incident in February 2024 in Viña del Mar, which resulted in 137 fatalities and left more than 16,000 individuals homeless.

The recent forest fires in southern Chile have led to significant destruction, but prompt evacuations have prevented loss of life. The government is taking measures to combat the fires while emphasizing the importance of fire prevention. President Boric’s commitment to supporting affected communities highlights the administration’s proactive response to this ongoing crisis. The large scale of the fires and the role of human responsibility in such incidents call for increased awareness and rigorous prevention strategies moving forward.

Original Source: en.mercopress.com