Chile Forum

Forest fires have burned for more than a week in the Noreste Sector outside of Futaleufu, Region X, consuming more than 45 hectares of native forest stretching up the cordilla outside of town. There is no threat to the town. Firefighters, and volunteers have joined with Conaf helicopters from Region VI to fight the blaze which appears to be partially under control. The fires, which started more than a week ago are suspicious, locals claiming careless tourist are to blame, but no clear evidence has been found. Hots spots flare up as the winds and dry weather compound the firefighters efforts to combat a fire in remote and steep areas.

Funny you should mention that...more than a couple of locals commented that it was tourists, or fly-fishing campers, and I thought that odd...no where have I seen more eco-conscientious tourist than in Patagonia. That along with the position of the fire on the mountain made it seem odd that campers or fisherman would be up that high. The "mayor" of the town has reiterated that it is strictly prohibited to burn for clearing, and against the law. Who knows the ways of these hearty independent people who live in the "valley painted by God"!!!!!!

On Feb 10th we drove from Puerto Montt to Chiloe. we saw very many fires in the region, so many that most must have been deliberate. They all seemed to be in scrub land that could be cleared later for agriculture. ie they probably were deliberate. With the exception of the fires near Puerto Montt we did not see any attempt to extinguish them. On our return home we also witnessed forrest fires near Concepcion and Penco.