Chile: Emergency crews responding to several wildfires in central regions as of early Dec. 12 /update 1

Emergency crews are responding to several wildfires across parts of Valparaiso, Metropolitan, and O'Higgins regions as of early Dec. 12. Dozens of fires have broken out across central Chile in recent days amid hot, dry, and windy conditions; authorities are responding to at least nine significant fires across the three regions as of early Dec. 12 which have burned more than 3,700 hectares (9,143 acres). The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (Servicio Nacional de Prevencion y Respuesta ante Desastres, SENAPRED) has issued red alerts (highest on a three-tier scale) for fires in Paine Commune in Metropolitan Region, La Estrella Commune in O'Higgins Region, and across Marga Marga Province in Valparaiso Region. Yellow alerts for fires in San Antonio and Santo Domingo communes in the O'Higgins Region and Melipilla Province in the Metropolitan Region are in place. 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.

Villa Alemana and Limache communes in Marga Marga Province have been the most affected; two fires have burned approximately 1,100 hectares (2,718 acres). Authorities have reported one fatality in the smaller fire in Limache Commune, and eight people have been injured in the larger fire, which stretches across both communes. At least 13 homes have been destroyed, and authorities have evacuated at least 374 people in the communes.

Depending on the progression of the wildfires, the status of nearby roads could change over the coming hours and days. Authorities could close additional routes within the wildfire complexes and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operators. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.