Chile: Wildfires in numerous regions February 11-12

Event

Chile, including the capital region, continues to be hit with a wave of forest fires amid high summer temperatures and dry conditions. According to the National Emergency Office (ONEMI), there were 58 active fires ongoing in the country as of late Sunday, February 11 (local time), including 24 that were not yet under control. Another 36 had recently been extinguished.

The active fires were located in various parts of the following regions: Coquimbo (Los Vilos commune), Valparaíso (Santo Domingo, Quilpué, Limache, La Ligua, Valparaíso), Santiago (Talagante), Maule (Longavi), Biobío (Hualqui, Alto Biobío, Tomé, Bulnes, Santa Juana, Tucapel), La Araucanía (Galvarino, Ercilla), Los Ríos (Los Lagos, Mariquina), and  Los Lagos (Calbuco). Red alerts - the highest level - are in place in various areas, including the city 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, the destruction of around 1500 houses, and over 580,000 hectares (1.4 million acres) of land burned.

Advice

Individuals in the area are advised to keep abreast of the situation and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.