Wildfires spread across central Chile on 03 February, mainly affecting the region of Valparaíso. At least 3,000 homes have been destroyed and the current death toll is 123. Rescue teams fear this number will rise as relief operations continue.
 
The forest fires have broken out near densely populated areas, several blocks of homes and businesses were completely destroyed. Ash covered, burnt out cars lined the streets. Three shelters have been set up in the Valparaiso region, where four hospitals and three nursing homes had to be evacuated.
 
The fires follow a recent heat wave that has affected this region of South America, causing droughts and dry conditions in forests. When the fires started, El Niño weather patterns resulted in strong winds which caused the fires to spread. It is estimated that 43,000 hectares have been burnt so far.

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