Chilean Forest Fires Rage

Fierce fires raced through 500 hectares (1236 acres) of national park in central Chile on Monday (March 16, 2009). Animals were seeing fleeing from the Lago Peñuelas National Reserve, located in the Valparaiso province, as the fire ripped through a large section of the park's 9,260 hectares (20,372 acres). Fire fighting helicopters circled from above, while their work mates also battled the blaze from the ground. An overcast day helped slow down the fire's progress, but emergency workers have already been here since Saturday trying to bring the blaze under control. A huge column of smoke billowed out the native scrubland forest, dried out after months of the Southern Hemisphere's summer. Local authorities believe the fires were intentionally lit, possibly by hunters using small blazes to flush out rabbits. They were also concerned people may have been caught up in the blaze, but unable to provide estimated numbers. "Without a doubt there are people behind the fire. I hope it was because they couldn't help it, otherwise, it is unfortunate," said National Emergency Office regional director Guillermo De la Maza. Chile has been grappling with a series of forest fires mainly in southern wooded areas, where fires are sparked each summer amid dry, hot conditions.

MediaScrape | March 17, 2009

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