Chile remains alert to forest fires in the south of the country, which have already caused three deaths

Up to five points in southern Chile are on red alert for forest fires, What they have already claimed the lives of three people, according to the latest report released Tuesday by the National Emergency Office (Onemi).

Official information indicates that a total of 124 nationally registered wildfires at that timeof which 33 active, 55 controlled and 36 extinct.

The most affected region is La Araucanía, for which a yellow alert is applied throughout its territory and a red alert persists for the communes of Traiguén and Galverino from 2 and 9 February respectively.

According to Onemi, Five "relevant" fires remain active in this region, while seven are recorded as controlled.

The three deaths recorded so far took place in La Araucanía, the last of them Tuesday, the volunteer of the fire department Nicolás Soto Estroz, hospitalized at the Temuco hospital on February 3rd.

As well, 54 people are affected and 31 houses were destroyed by the flames.

Onemi settled in the area 4,820 combat rations and 8,220 water bottles for Chilean firefighters and the army, 5 water tanks for drinking water distribution, 49 food boxes and 42 water tanks.

In the same wayA total of 14 emergency homes were built, as well as 552 masks and 125 safety glbades.

The other territories of southern Chile in red alert following forest fires are the communes of Ancud and Futaleufú, in the region of Los Lagos and in the provinces of General Carrera and Capitán Prat, in the region of Aysén.

In addition, six other areas are on yellow alert in the southern areas of Bíobío, Los Lagos, Los Ríos and Aysén.

February 5th The Chilean government has decreed a constitutional exception by disaster for the regions of Biobío – with the exception of the municipalities of Concepción and Talcahuano -, La Araucanía – to the exclusion of the municipality of Temuco- and the municipalities of Mariquina and Panguipulli, in the region of Los Ríos.

According to government data, until the austral summer (December to March) the fires affected an area of ​​41,742 hectares, 39% more than the same date last year, while the number of claims reached 4,206, 6% more.

(With information from EFE)