Chile fights to hold back forest fires as warm weather likely to increase deadly wildfires

A aerial view of the site of the forest fire in Santa Juana province, Concepcion province, Chile on February 6, 2023. PHOTO AFP SANTIAGO - Chilean firefighters were battling to hold back forest fires on Monday as authorities said that warm and dry weather would continue this week, potentially exacerbating what are already the deadliest blazes in the country's recent history.

The fires, which have consumed 270,000 hectares 667,000 acres of land, have killed 26 people in south-central Chile and already made 2023 the second worst year in terms of hectares burnt after the so-called firestorm that hit the country in 2017.

The state National Forestry Corporation reported on Monday morning that there were 275 active fires, of which 69 were currently in combat.

READ MORE: At least 23 dead as dozens of wildfires destroyed in Chile's wildfire forests.

President Gabriel Boric wrote on Twitter that unity to face the tragedy, unity to rebuild ourselves.

Firefighters rest at the command post after fighting forest fires in Santa Juana province, Concepcion province, Chile on February 6, 2023. PHOTO AFP Chile is currently in the grip of an over-decade long period of dry weather, which the World Meteorological Organization called it a mega drought last year, adding that it was the longest in a thousand years and marked a major water crisis. The heat wave and strong winds have caused a rapid spread of the flames during the Southern Hemisphere summer season.

The interior minister of the country said 11 people have been arrested on Monday for actions related to the fires, but they did not give details about the suspected crimes because of ongoing investigations. Boric pointed out that some of the fires may have been started intentionally on Friday.

READ MORE: Chilean fires of over 750 hectares threaten the forests, farmland and woods.

The mining industry in the world's top copper producing nation has not been affected by the fires, with mines in the north of the country mostly in the north, but they have hit Chile's agricultural and major forestry sector.

ALSO READ: Thirteen dead as fires blaze through south-central Chile

The Chilean Wood Corporation, an industry association, told Reuters on Monday that its partners are focused on the emergency and do not have a preliminary assessment of the impact.