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Red alert in 18 Chilean communes due to wildfires

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The battle against the flames continues in Chile, with multiple active fire outbreaks and thousands of hectares burned, as authorities intensify efforts and detain suspected individuals.

Wildfires in Chile show no signs of relenting. Despite efforts to control the flames, 18 communes remain under Red Alert, according to the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred). The most affected regions include the province of Valparaíso, Marga Marga, and various localities in La Araucanía, where the commune of Victoria is currently the main focus of concern.

The fire in Victoria has already consumed 15 hectares and forced the evacuation of nearby areas. Firefighters, brigades from the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), planes, and helicopters are working tirelessly in the area in an attempt to mitigate the disaster.

The situation is critical and has led to the arrest of 16 people accused of causing fires, with three detentions in the communes of Pucón, Lumaco, and Nueva Imperial. José Montalva, the presidential delegate of La Araucanía, highlighted the work of Carabineros and the Public Ministry, which has been well received by the public. "Today, with the complex wildfires we've seen, it appears to be known how they may have started, which is why there are arrests—in this case, due to negligence," Montalva stated.

Conaf has reported a total of 152 wildfires nationwide: 15 are under observation, 29 are being fought, and 108 have been controlled. The devastation has left 14,958 hectares destroyed. Additionally, 5,489 people have been affected, with 133 fatalities and 1,250 injured due to the catastrophe.

Authorities continue to work tirelessly to control the fires and prevent new disasters, while the international community watches and offers support to a country battling one of nature's most destructive elements.

Photo: Meteored