Wildfire Hits Chile, At Least 100 Dead... Arson Suspected

More than 100 Missing... 6,000 Houses Damaged
Investigation Underway Considering Arson Possibility

The human toll from the wildfires that broke out in central Chile, South America, is growing uncontrollably. At least 99 people have died so far, and the whereabouts of about 100 others remain unknown.

A resident is passing by the roadside next to a car burned by fire in the Kilpue area of Chile.
Photo by Yonhap News

According to disaster information provided on the 4th (local time) by the Chilean presidential office's official social media and the National Emergency Prevention and Response Agency (SENAPRED), the wildfire that started on the 2nd near the Pe?uela Lake Protected Area in Valpara?so Region, central Chile, damaged between 3,000 and 6,000 homes.

Fueled by strong winds and dry weather, the rapidly intensifying blaze quickly spread toward residential areas. The damage was concentrated in Chile’s major tourist destinations such as Vi?a del Mar, Quilpu?, Villa Alemana, and Limache. Notably, on Saturday the 3rd, wind speeds were recorded at up to 60 km/h.

The area hardest hit was El Salto, where the fire spread to a paint factory. An explosion caused by flammable materials inside the factory also occurred, and a botanical garden managed by the state for over 73 years was more than 90% destroyed. Although exact figures are not yet available, the burned area has been estimated at 110 km², which is comparable to the size of Suwon City in Gyeonggi Province (121 km²).

Local media have reported at least 99 deaths so far. Macarena Ripamonti, mayor of Vi?a del Mar, expressed sorrow, saying, "The number of people whose status is unknown reaches about 100. While some families have been contacted, this estimate aligns with data from the central government."

President Gabriel Boric, in a message to the nation, referred to the magnitude 8.8 earthquake and tsunami in February 2010 that caused 525 deaths, calling this "the greatest tragedy since the 2010 disaster." He added that the government is focusing on firefighting and searching for missing persons by deploying firefighters and military personnel.

Chilean authorities are considering the possibility of arson in the La Establas area of Vi?a del Mar among the multiple fire sites. President Boric stated, "Authorities are investigating suspicions that someone deliberately set the fires," and declared a national mourning period from the 5th to the 6th to honor the victims.