VIÑA DEL MAR, Chile — On Sunday, firefighters grappled with colossal forest fires that erupted in central Chile two days prior. The authorities have extended curfews in the cities most severely impacted by the infernos, reporting a death toll of at least 64 people.
The fires have been raging with unparalleled ferocity around the city of Viña del Mar. The city’s renowned botanical garden, established in 1931, fell victim to the flames on Sunday, leaving at least 1,600 people homeless.
Several districts on the eastern fringe of Viña del Mar have been consumed by fire and smoke, leaving some residents trapped in their homes. Officials have reported that around 200 people are missing in Viña del Mar and its surrounding areas. The city, home to 300,000 people, is a favored beach resort and is known for hosting a popular music festival during the summer in the southern hemisphere.
On Sunday, Rodrigo Mundaca, the governor of the Valparaiso region, expressed his suspicion that some of the fires may have been deliberately set, echoing a theory previously mentioned by President Gabriel Boric on Saturday.
“The fires ignited at four separate locations simultaneously,” Mundaca stated. “As authorities, we are committed to conducting a thorough investigation to identify the culprits.”
The fires around Viña del Mar originated in mountainous, forested areas that are difficult to access. Despite the best efforts of Chilean authorities, the fires have spread to densely populated neighborhoods on the city’s outskirts.
President Gabriel Boric, on Saturday, pointed out that the unusually high temperatures, low humidity, and high wind speeds were complicating efforts to contain the wildfires in central Chile. These fires have already ravaged 8,000 hectares of forests and urban areas.
Officials are urging residents in fire-affected areas to evacuate their homes as swiftly as possible. Those living further away from the fires are being advised to stay indoors to allow for the unimpeded movement of fire engines and ambulances.
Curfews have been imposed in Viña del Mar, and the neighboring cities of Quilpé and Villa Alemana, as part of measures to deter looting.
The fires coincided with a week of record-breaking temperatures in central Chile. Over the past two months, the El Niño weather phenomenon has triggered droughts and high temperatures in western South America, thereby escalating the risk of forest fires.
Central Chile forest fires continue, claiming at least 64 lives.
Disagree, this devastation calls for immediate action and support from the international community.
This tragedy demands urgent global intervention to prevent further loss of life and destruction. #PrayforChile
This tragedy demands immediate global action to prevent further loss of life and devastation.