Situation
Numerous wildfires have been burning across the country over the last weeks, causing casualties and damages.
As of 30 January, the National Office of Emergencies of Interior Ministry (ONEMI) reported 124 forest fires, of which 58 are active, 55 have been controlled and 11 have been extinguished. The regions of Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Metropolitan, O’Higgins, Maule, Biobio, La Araucania and Los Rios are concerned.
An area of 366 520 ha has been affected.
Following the activation of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, France, Spain and Portugal offered assistance consisting of teams and equipment. 180 European fire fighters are already in Chile supporting the work of local authorities. The French Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module previously deployed to O’Higgins moved on 29 January to Bio Bio where the Spanish team is already operating. The Portuguese Module is preparing to become operational in Maule.
An EUCP Team of six experts in total (3 ES, FR, SE, FI) and two ERCC Liaison Officers was deployed to facilitate the arrival of European experts and assistance and cooperate with the national authorities.
Extreme high temperatures (up to 34°C in O’Higgins and Metropolitana) with locally strong gusty winds (especially on 30-31 Jan) are forecasted for the affected regions.