2017 Chile wildfires

The 2017 Chile wildfires are a series of wildfires that burned across Chile during January 2017.

2017 Chile wildfires
Satellite image of the fires, captured by NASA on January 25, 2017.
Location	Chile
Statistics
Total fires	5,274 [1]
Total area	1,408,988 acres (5,702 km^2) [2]
Buildings destroyed	1000+
Deaths	11

Impact

On January 27–28, a wildfire described as the worst in Chile's modern history killed at least 11 people, including five firefighters and destroyed the town of Santa Olga in the central Maule Region, displacing thousands of people.[3][4]

Reactions

On January 20, the Chilean government declared a state of emergency in response to the wildfires.[5]

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet cancelled her planned visit to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, for the fifth CELAC Summit on January 24–25 due to the wildfires.[6]

International support

•  Argentina had more than 130 firefighters in Chile at one point.
•  Austria sent firefighting equipment and tools.[7]
•  Brazil sent two MAFFS-equipped C-130 Hercules.[8]
•  Canada provided planes and helicopters.[9]
•  China provided economic support.[10]
•  Colombia sent more than 20 firefighters.
• The  European Union sent a team of eight to Santiago.[7]
•  France sent 69 firefighters.[11][12]
•  Germany has donated US$215,000.
•  Israel has pledged aid to Chile.[13]
•  Italy has pledged aid to Chile.[13]
•  Japan sent four people.
•  Mexico sent more than 20 firefighters.
•  Panama sent 21 firefighters.[14]
•  Peru sent more than 20 firefighters.
•  Portugal sent 52 firefighters.[11][12]
•  Russia sent an Ilyushin Il-76 and more than 20 firefighters.
•  South Korea provided economic aid.[10]
•  Spain sent 64 firefighters.[14]
•  Sweden sent firefighting equipment and tools.[7]
• The  United Arab Emirates has donated US$5 million.
• The  United States sent four specialists from the U.S. Forest Service, and a private company sent an Evergreen 747 Supertanker with a crew of 12. The United States has also contributed US$1,580,000.[11][15]
•  Venezuela sent 80 firefighters.[14]

A wildfire burning in Pirque, Santiago Metropolitan Region, on January 21, 2017.

See also

• 2012 Araucanía wildfires
• Great Fire of Valparaíso
• List of wildfires

References

1. http://www.conaf.cl/wp-content/files_mf/1548961918TABLA1_TEMPORADA2018_01.xls
2. http://www.conaf.cl/wp-content/files_mf/1548961918TABLA1_TEMPORADA2018_01.xls
3. Chile's worst wildfires destroy Santa Olga town, death toll rises to 10
4. Chile: Deadly wildfires displace thousands
5. Chile declares state of emergency due to massive wildfires
6. Raging wildfires force Chile leader to skip Dominican Summit
8. https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/world/chile-battles-worst-wildfire-in-countrys-history
9. Chile continues to fight massive wildfires
10. Chile Thanks EU Firefighters for Collaboration on Wildfires
11. Chile Receives International Aid for Wildfire Crisis
12. EU Teams Help Bring Chile's Worst Wildfires in 50 Years Under Control
13. Correction: Chile-Wildfires story
14. Chile's Neighbors Send Help to Fight Worst Forest Fires in its History
15. Chile's President Says Cataclysmic Wildfires Are Largely Under Control