Chile: Wildfires in Quilpué (Valparaíso region) November 21

Event

A red alert - the highest level - has been issued by the National Emergency Office (ONEMI) due to several wildfires ongoing in the commune of Quilpué (Valparaíso region). When the alert was issued early on Wednesday, November 21 (local time), there were at least four active fires, named “Cruce Colliguay,” “Lo Moscozo, Los Molles,” “Fundo El Pequén,” and “El Pequén 2.” Combined, the fires had burned more than 70 hectares (170 acres) as of 01:00.

Context

Forest fires are 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.