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Fire in Paihuano Leaves at Least 18 Victims and Eight Homes Destroyed
The large fire that has been raging since Tuesday afternoon and night in the town of Tres Cruces, in the commune of Paihuano (Coquimbo Region), currently leaves 18 people affected and eight homes destroyed.
The violence of the fire forced Senapred to declare a Red Alert in the area and activate the SAE system to evacuate the location.
The work of firefighters from Paihuano, Vicuña, Coquimbo, and La Serena, along with personnel from Conaf and Carabineros, is still working hard to extinguish the flames, which have already consumed six hectares.
The fire, which spread rapidly due to weather conditions, also swept through six vehicles.
The regional director of Senapred, Angelo Hernández, reported that "only two people were evacuated to a care center because they were experiencing a crisis of anguish, of panic, and are in the process of evaluation, but were not directly affected by the action of the fire."
Additionally, "only one person had a minor injury on their left arm. There was damage to sheds," he added.
The current toll of the fire
"The wildfire called 'Tres Cruces Bajo' is under combat and has consumed six hectares. There are eight homes with major, uninhabitable damage, generating 18 victims," detailed Hernández.
"The SAE emergency alert system worked well, and we are maintaining the Red Alert until Conaf officials tell us we can lift it," stated the authority.
The fire mainly affected a condominium where farmers live, most of them elderly. The Presidential Delegation of Coquimbo and the municipality of Paihuano are conducting a census of those affected to provide necessary aid and cover their basic needs.
It is expected that at 4:30 p.m., Senapred will communicate a new update on what happened. Meanwhile, at the Paihuano gym, essential items and non-perishable food are being collected for the victims.
Authorities are investigating the origin of the fire, which according to initial reports, was allegedly caused by human activity.
Source:Cooperativa
