Chile Wildfire: These days there is a furore due to fire in the country of South American continent, Chile. Due to the severe heat wave here, a forest fire broke out and spread rapidly. At least 13 people were reported killed on Friday, and thousands more are at risk of being hit.
In view of the havoc of the fire in the forests, the government of Chile has declared a state of disaster. According to media reports, as of Friday, the fire had spread to 151 wild areas, of which 65 were declared under control. The fire spread since Wednesday has engulfed more than 35,000 acres of land in this country and burnt more than 100 houses.
The helicopter also succumbed to the fire
Officials said that 11 people, including a fire-fighter, died in the city of Santa Juana, about 500 km from the Chilean capital Santiago. The victims also included a firefighter, who died after being hit by a fire engine while fighting the blaze. A pilot and a mechanic were also killed while trying to put out the fire as their helicopter crashed in the southern region of Araucania. The dead included four civilians in the Biobio region of central Chile, where people have been worst hit by the fires. “These are very difficult times for families,” said Ivonne Rivas, the mayor of Tome in Biobio.
2,300 firefighters and 75 aircraft engaged in extinguishing the fire
About 2,300 firefighters and 75 aircraft are engaged in controlling the flames. 63 aircraft from Argentina and Brazil are also involved in extinguishing the fire. On Friday, Chilean President Gabriel Boric postponed his vacation to visit the affected areas. He said that evidence has been found that the fire was started due to unauthorized burning.
The President said – We are engaged in mobilizing all the resources
President Gabriel Boric said, “Today my role as president is to make sure that all resources are available for emergencies and that people feel that they are not alone.”
Presidente @GabrielBoric: “Quiero que sepan, no los vamos a dejar solos, hoy la priority es extinguishe del fire, para eso están deplogados nuostro resources (…) As the government we are concerned with supporting the reconstruction and recovering all that has happened.” Lost”. pic.twitter.com/ArpUlKRPHs
— Presidency of Chile (@Presidencia_cl) February 3, 2023
Carolina Toha, a Chilean minister, said, “The situation is going to get more dangerous in the coming days.” He believed that if the fire continues to spread like this, many lives can be lost.
⚠️ Prevent #IncendioForestal es más fácil que combatirlo. During this heat wave, help to avoid risky behaviors.
If you have any signs of a forest fire, you can call:
@conaf_minagri: 130
@BomberosdeChile: 132
@Carabdechile: 133
@PDI_CHILE: 134 pic.twitter.com/C2rApqHInn— Presidency of Chile (@Presidencia_cl) February 2, 2023
There was a fierce fire in 2017 as well
This fire in Chile is similar to that of 2017. During that time 11 people were officially killed, 1500 homes were destroyed and more than 1,150,000 acres of forest were affected. According to fire officials, it is getting very hot in Chile these days. Due to the hot winds, the fire of the forests spreads rapidly.
