Chile: Wildfire in Litueche (O'Higgins region) November 16-19

Event

A red wildfire alert - the highest level - was issued by the National Emergency Office (ONEMI) for the commune of Litueche (O'Higgins Region) on the evening of Friday, November 16. It remains in effect as of early November 19. As of 20:00 on November 18 (local time), the so-called Hacienda Topocalma fire had burned 107 hectares (265 acres).

Context

Forest fires are 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, as well as the destruction of around 1500 houses and over 580,000 hectares (1.4 million acres).

Advice

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