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Red Alert in Valparaíso: Forest Fire Threatens Laguna Verde

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Emergency teams are battling flames in the Curaumilla area; one home has been consumed, and 20 people evacuated.

A raging forest fire has put the Laguna Verde-Curaumilla sector in Valparaíso on high alert, prompting authorities to declare a Red Alert.

Although the fire is reported as contained, the emergency has affected approximately 5 hectares and resulted in the destruction of at least one vacation home. The rapid response from emergency teams, including 11 CONAF brigades, 15 units from the Valparaíso Fire Department, and aerial support from 6 aircraft, has been crucial in mitigating the fire's spread, exacerbated by strong winds in the area.

Regional Presidential Delegate Sofía González is on-site coordinating containment operations alongside Senapred and other agencies. The SAE messaging system has been activated to facilitate evacuations in the Las Gaviotas, Caleta Grande, and Curaumilla Center sectors, with a total of 20 people already evacuated.

The fire, which is active in the Fundo Curaumilla area, has mobilized extensive resources, including 7 technicians, 4 water tankers, 1 skidder, and CONAF machinery, as well as Carabineros and municipal personnel. The current situation is being closely monitored by Senapred, which has reported extreme fire behavior and a direct threat to homes.

The Red Alert declaration allows for the mobilization of all necessary and available resources to support ongoing efforts and respond effectively to the event's scale and severity. Authorities urge residents to stay informed and follow evacuation instructions.