At least 112 dead as authorities struggle to contain forest fires in Chile

The Guardian
February 4, 2024
Category: Forest Fires
Region: International

CHILE — Firefighters are wrestling with huge forest fires that broke out in central Chile on Friday. …The fires have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, where a botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames. At least 1,600 people have been left without homes. Flames and smoke on the eastern edge of the city have trapped some people in their homes. Officials said 200 people have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding area. The city of 300,000 people is a popular beach resort. Late on Sunday, Chile‘s forensic medicine service updated the confirmed death toll to 112 people. Drone footage filmed by Reuters in Vina del Mar area showed entire neighbourhoods scorched, with residents rummaging through husks of burnt-out houses where corrugated iron roofs have collapsed. On the streets, singed cars littered the roads.

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