Chile – Forest Fires Update (DG ECHO, ONEMI, CONAF) (ECHO Daily Flash of 4 February 2017)

A large number of wildfires have been burning across the country over the past weeks, especially in the central and southern regions, causing casualties and damage.

The National Office of Emergencies of Interior Ministry (ONEMI) reported, as of 03 February at 21.00 UTC, 118 forest fires, of which 19 are active, 41 have been controlled and 58 have been extinguished, in the regions of Coquimbo, Valparaiso, Metropolitan, O'Higgins, Biobio, La Araucania, Los Rios.

ONEMI reported, as of 04 February at 09.00 UTC, 11 deaths and 7 314 people affected. 1 610 houses have been destroyed and 465 people are in temporary shelters.