Chile: Emergency crews responding to fire in vicinity of Barros Luco Hospital in Santiago as of late Jan. 29

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a fire in the vicinity of the Barros Luco Hospital in the San Miguel area of Santiago as of late Jan. 29. Hospital authorities assert that the fire has impacted an "uninhabited and unused" area of the hospital complex; firefighters have reportedly restricted access to the care center as a precaution. The blaze has also spread to nearby houses, prompting the evacuation of some area residents and localized traffic disruptions.

A heightened security presence and lingering disruptions to transport and business are likely in the affected area until the firefighting operation concludes. Smoke from the fire may temporarily worsen air quality in the area. Additional evacuations of area buildings are possible. Residual disruptions cannot be ruled out after crews extinguish the fire as investigative work and recovery operations continue.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Consider taking alternative routes to circumvent the incident site. Allow additional time to reach destinations in the affected area through at least late Jan. 29. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.