Forest fires driven by strong gusts of wind hits south of Chile

The regions affected by fire are those of ñuhle, biobío, la Araucanía and Los ríos.

The outbreaks of the fire spread rapidly from the strong winds of the east, known in the region as “El Puelche”, more than 60 km per hour.

The most affected municipality is Traiguén, in the region of La Araucanía, 650 km south of Santiago, where the flames consumed 1,000 hectares. There are eight homes affected and the facilities of a school were burned, according to the official report.

The school was able to be evacuated and 25 students and staff were sent to a shelter qualified on Sunday.

“I instructed that every government is mobilized within these fires and that we are with the affected and their families,” said President Gabriel Boric.