Chile: Authorities enforce curfews as multiple wildfires continue to cause disruptions across central and south-central regions as of early Feb. 9 /update 5

Event

Authorities will enforce curfews across parts of Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions as multiple wildfires continue to cause disruptions across parts of central and south-central Chile as of early Feb. 9. The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Servicio Nacional de Prevencion y Respuesta ante Desastres, SENAPRED) has reported 326 active fires across the country, of which emergency services are currently fighting 89. The fires have burned more than 330,000 hectares (815,00 acres) across the affected regions and authorities have reported at least 24 fatalities and more than 2,000 others injured across Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions. A majority of the nearly 2,000 homes damaged by the fires and nearly 900 people in emergency accommodation are also located in these three regions. Evacuations have been ordered across several communes in the area.

Authorities have placed Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions under an exceptional state of catastrophe. As of Feb. 8, authorities have announced a curfew will be in place for the communes of Arauco, Contulmo, Florida, Hualqui, Mulchen, Nacimiento, Santa Juan, and Tome in Biobio Region and Galvarino and Lauturo communes and the entire province of Malleco with the exception of Lonquimay in La Araucania Province. The curfews will be in place from 00:00 to 05:00 Feb. 10 until further notice. Similar measures are expected to be announced Feb. 9 for Itata Province in Nuble Region. Authorities could introduce new curfews or rescind or amend existing measures dependent on the progression of wildfires in the affected regions over the coming days.

SENAPRED is maintaining Red forest fire alerts (the highest level on a three-tier scale) across Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions, as well as for four communes in Maule Region, three communes in Los Rios Region, and one commune in Los Lagos Region where fires are threatening homes and causing evacuations. Yellow forest fire alerts have been issued across Maule Region and for one commune in both Los Rios Region. Green preventative early warnings for forest fires have been issued across Los Lagos, Metropolitana, and O'Higgins regions and for two provinces and two communes in Valparaiso Region. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories dependent on the development of wildfires and changing weather conditions over the coming days. The continuing spread of wildfires across the region comes amid heatwave warnings across much of the affected area. Due to the high temperatures and dry conditions forecast over the coming days, further wildfire growth is likely.

Transport
Multiple roads will likely be affected over the coming days, especially in Biobio, La Araucania, and Nuble regions. The status of roads may change with little to no warning; authorities could close more routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Smoke and ashfall from bushfires may cause poor air quality in surrounding areas. Power outages and utilities that rely on electricity could experience outages within and near the wildfire complex.

Health
Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Advice

Heed all evacuation orders. Monitor official news sources. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving in the affected areas; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.

Resources

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