SANTIAGO, Jan 18 (NNN-Prensa Latina) — At least three communes in central Bio Bio region are now on red alert due to forest fires that have already destroyed five homes and more than 600 hectares.
The fires, started on Thursday, have affected the Cabrero, Nacimiento and Santa Juana communes, where authorities ordered the preventive evacuation of hundreds of people from inhabited areas that were threatened by the flames, Radio Bio Bio station reported.
A red alert was also declared in the Chillan and Pinto municipalities, in neighboring Ñuble region, while a yellow alert was established throughout that territory after the fires endangered residential areas and even forced traffic to be cut in an important highway.
After conducting an Emergency Operational Committee (COE) to take measures against fires, Bio Bio governor Sergio Giacaman said that shelters for evacuees were established and informed that about 40 fire teams are working in different parts of the region.
The high temperatures that have affected central Chile during the week and high winds, allow the rapid advance of the flames, while hindering the work of the brigades that fight fires.
According to meteorological authorities, the heat wave affecting central Chile with temperatures around 36 degrees Celsius would extend until Monday, and in addition to the drought, represents an important factor for the emergence and spread of forest fires.
