Chile receives international aid to quell raging forest fires with 26 reported dead

Brigades of international experts are joining the fight against an estimated 300 forest fires plaguing the central-southern zone of Chile, which have so far caused an estimated 26 deaths and burned down more than 1,100 homes.

As victims in agricultural, rural towns are just starting to recover from significant losses, 275 fires remain active.

So far authorities believe the fires have destroyed 270,000 hectares, which erupted amid unusually high temperatures in the south region of the South American country.

Theorist  fires, which have persisted for almost a week, have left an estimated 26 dead, 1,260 injured, 3,000 homeless and 1,159 houses burned, according to reports from the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Attention.

In the last few hours, firefighters and equipment have arrived in Chile from Argentina, Mexico, Spain and the U.S. The U.S. sent the "Ten Tanker," largest tanker plane in the world, with a turbo-fan powered engine and the capacity of carrying and distributing 9,400 gallons of water or fireretardant.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent his condolences to the Chilean people on Twitter, announcing the U.S. will provide "additional help in the days and weeks to come." 

I extend my deep condolences to the Chilean people as they confront devastating wildfires. The United States and Chile have a long history of collaboration to prevent and combat wildfires. We stand with Chile and will be providing additional aid in the coming days and weeks.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 6, 2023

Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who suspended his vacation in Patagonia on Friday to travel to affected areas, said there are "indications" that some of the fires were caused by "unauthorized burning."

The regions of Biobío, Ñuble and La Araucanía are the most affected by the fires that have already destroyed more than 45,000 hectares and a hundred homes and have caused the eviction of dozens of municipalities.

#CAUQUENES: En el sector #LasMáquinas se mantiene el combate del fuego, debido a ello el peligro inminente de viviendas cercanas. Por esto, Carabineros mantiene los cortes de tránsito y el apoyo permanente durante la emergencia.#OrdenyPatria#IncendiosForestales pic.twitter.com/qWi0X5CnF7

— CarabMaule (@Carab_Maule) February 7, 2023