12 Mar 2018 | 12:40 PM UTC
Chile: Wildfires in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar March 11-12
Red alert in place March 11-12 due to wildfires in Valparaíso and Viña del Mar; adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities
Event
The National Emergency Office (ONEMI) issued red alerts - the highest level - for the communes of Valparaíso, Viña del Mar, and Quilpué, due to ongoing wildfires. The alerts remain in effect as of Monday, March 12. All three communes are located in the region of Valparaíso.
Context
Forest fires are relatively common in Chile during the summer months. The country was devastated by a string of major forest fires in January 2017, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people as well as the destruction of around 1500 houses and over 580,000 hectares (1.4 million acres).
Advice
Individuals in the area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.
