Chile has gone into a state of emergency because of wildfires! These wildfires are not stopping and have burned 130,000 hectares (more than 321,000 acres), doubling in the past two days. Not only is this upsetting to the environment, but these wildfires are so out of control that they have now killed 11 people; five firefighters, two policemen and three local residents. Thousands are also displaced and villages destroyed. With 130 fires still burning and 61 out of those 130 being classified as out of control in the center and south of Chile, these wildfires must be stopped quickly.
It is proving to be very difficult and this is not a simple matter. High temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit and strong winds are aiding these wildfires.
Never in Chiles history have they had to deal with something of this size. It is also very scary because Chile is doing everything they can to contain and ultimately stop these wildfires, however it is proving to be unsuccessful. 4,000 firefighters are working hard and the public has also stepped up to try and help.
An interesting tidbit listed at the bottom of articles on these post is that at least some of these fires may have been started intentionally because there are multiple points of origin. A number of individuals have been arrested in relation to this investigtion, however, this may turn out to be false because there is no other evidence to prove this.
Many countries such as France, the United States, Peru and Mexico have been aiding Chile with international help, but more help is needed because these wildfires are still going strong and have proved themselves a force to be reckoned with. This is damaging Chile as well as the lives in Chile and something needs to change. If this does not stop soon more lives could be taken and that is horrible and hopefully preventable.