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Vast Areas of Forest Destroyed by Fast-Spreading Fires in Chile

by VOA News

   Forest fires that have destroyed more than half a million hectares in
   Chile retreated somewhat Sunday, with the help of U.S. and Russian
   supertanker aircraft and the arrival of specialist teams from other
   countries.

   There were 118 fires of which 59 were active, an official from the
   National Forest Corporation said.

   Authorities say inadequate preparation for climate change and large
   mono-culture plantations have contributed to Chile's worst forest fires
   in recent history

   In Portezuelo of the Bio Bio region, around 400 kilometers south of the
   capital, Santiago, residents attempted to create a firewall to fend off
   a large blaze, but they were forced to abandon their plan and evacuate
   the area after the wind direction changed.

   Other areas were also still at danger, forcing police and military to
   evacuate residents and close roads.