Chile: Emergency crews responding to wildfire in Valparaiso as of early March 14

Emergency crews are responding to a wildfire that is threatening homes in the Cerro Cordillera area of Valparaiso as of early March 14. The fire broke out late March 13 and has grown to around 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) as of early March 14. The Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) is maintaining a red warning (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for the fire. Evacuation orders have been issued for areas in the vicinity of the fire, including the Chaparro Alto, Santa María, Guillermo Bravo, Chaparro, Cantera Street, Campanilla Street, Alfredo Vargas Stoller, and La Cantera areas. Authorities have reported two fatalities after bodies were found in a house on Jose Tomas Ramos Street. Between 15-40 homes are reported to have been damaged by the fire. The fire has been largely contained as of early March 14; however, firefighting operations are ongoing in the area.

The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close routes within the wildfire 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 wildfires 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.

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).