DAY 3: SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024

INCIDENT SUMMARY

CHILE — A new wildfire ignited in Casablanca yesterday morning, prompting the large fire response from the Bomberos San Antonio (Chile). This is now more than several that will burn in the region.

LOCATIONS

Currently, wildfires and structural fires are burning in the cities of Valparaiso, Vina del Mar, Quilpue Villa, Alemana, and the Limache – Valparaiso Region.

RESOURCES

There is a forest task force working on wildfires impacting the communities of Avenida la Lunas and Villa Independencia.

Some of the units fighting these fires are with the Bomberos San Antonio (Chile),

FIRE PHOTOS

Some of the incredible photos of the wildfires burning in multiple communities are both spectacular and dangerous. All photos posted in this article are Photo Credits: Bomberos San Antonio

Live Scanner Feed –> https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/25506

FIRE CONDITIONS

RED FLAG WARNINGS have been issued but they call them something entirely different in their country. Many warnings have gone out to their communities of fire dangers due to weather, high winds, and other factors impacting fire conditions.

However, on February 3, 2024, the Country issued a State of Emergency due to multiple fires, and unusually high temps and strong winds.

Due to rising temps, the country has been pained by many wildfires breaking out in their forests which are quickly spreading at a high rate of spread to nearby residential communities, killing many people and destroying hundreds of structures. 

UNKNOWN START DATES

Many of these fires appear to have started in the latter part of January 2024.

Due to numerous translations from the Spanish language to English, it is unknown what the real start date was for these wildfires or the causes of them.

CAUSES

Currently, at this time the cause of each fire is unknown as multiple fire incidents are happening throughout the Country. They are no longer considered as your run-of-the-mill wildfires or structure fires but as firestorms and resources are getting tired and overwhelmed by the amount of them, according to numerous posts.

FIRE WEATHER

Deadly forest fires aided by hot and dry El Niño weather conditions tore through densely populated regions in central Chile on February 2nd. The Associated Press reports at least 19 deaths and more than 1,100 homes destroyed. GOES East captured the thermal signature of the explosive flames. Website: https://realearth.ssec.wisc.edu/s/U2Vzsa (Source: CIMSS (Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies – University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)) Photo Credit: CIMSS

LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Some US and other Countries’ media outlets are reporting on this tragic fire(s) incident(s) and here is a recap from one media source:

“Intense forest fires burning around a densely populated area of central Chile have left at least 19 people dead and destroyed about 1,100 homes, Officials said on Saturday. Chile’s Interior Minister, Carolina Thoa said there were currently 92 forest fires burning in the center and south of the country, where temps have been unusually high this wee with 33,000 acres burned.” – Caught the FireBug (Facebook page)

“The deadliest of the fires were occurring in the region of Valparaiso, where authorities used people not to leave their homes so firetrucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles can transit with greater ease.” – Toronto Sun (an image shows the fire impacted area with multiple cars blocking roadways.

“Fires are also burning in Bogota Columbia where they are asking for international support.” – Weather Nation. (Note: Chile is over 2,500 miles from Columbia)

(c) 2024 NW Fire Blog