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The impact of the flames: A high school and homes burned, classes suspended, injured police officers

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Several communes in the south of the country remain under a red alert due to the wildfires that have been affecting, since yesterday afternoon, mainly the regions of Ñuble, Biobío, Los Ríos, and La Araucanía.

This morning, according to Senapred data, the Biobío Region remains under a red alert. Meanwhile, in La Araucanía, in Padre Las Casas, the fire has already consumed 1,039 hectares, with reports of 1 destroyed unoccupied home and 7 infrastructures under damage assessment. In Gorbea, the fire covers 200 hectares, while in Traiguén, where two fires are active, one spans 1,000 hectares and the other 190.

Other areas are also being monitored, such as Perquenco, where a fire covering 170 hectares is being fought near inhabited sectors; Victoria, where a fire spanning 249 hectares is being battled, though no damage to people or homes has been reported; and Galvarino, where the fire covers 20 hectares, with one affected unoccupied home. Damage in Traiguén Among all areas affected by the fires, Traiguén has suffered the most infrastructure damage. So far, 8 homes have been destroyed, and 1 educational center (Providencia High School) is under damage assessment.

The high school was successfully evacuated, and its 25 students and staff were relocated yesterday to the shelter set up at the Lucila Godoy Alcayaga High School boarding facility. None of them were injured. Meanwhile, 2 injured police officers were reported and taken to Traiguén Hospital.

Additionally, 3 shelters have been set up: C-9 High School Boarding Facility (housing 50 people), Women's Shelter, and the commune's Fiscal Stadium. As a result, Senapred is coordinating with Junaeb to provide food for those sheltered. Furthermore, classes in educational institutions have been suspended for today, Monday, March 24, 2025. Meanwhile, the Red Cross has activated psychosocial support and community first aid measures.

Finally, 9 Emergency Alert System (SAE) messages have been sent to support the evacuation process in the commune.

Source:Emol.com