Wildfire in Torres del Paine National Park

As you may have heard, there is a large forest fire burning in Torres del Paine National Park. The fire started on December 27th in the evening and is still burning in four different locations. It all started when a group was camping in an illegal area, and proceeded to build a fire in the forest. A young man from Israel is the suspect and is required to stay in the region for three months so that the police can investigate the situation. Below you will find some of the latest news and statistics form the fire.

January 02, 2012, 11:00 a.m. (Chilean Standard Time)

• Until now, more than 12,000 hectares (almost 30,000 acres) have been affected by the fire in Torres del Paine National Park. 1/3 of this being native forest, and 2/3 being grassland and steppe.
• There are 753 fire fighters working on the control of the fire.
• There are 6 seats of fire, 4 of which are being controlled, although it cannot be excluded that they may expand again, due to the strong wind.
• The other 2 seats of fire are not growing, but work still continues to control them.
• The Government is preparing and is taking all measurements to partially re-open Torres del Paine National Park from Wednesday, January 04, if the conditions maintain the same as until now or get better.
• This re-opening will be initially in the Northern sector of the Park, corresponding to Laguna Azul, Laguna Amarga, Campamento Cuernos, Campamento Serón, Campamento Perros. In the first stage, 100,000 to 150,000 hectares (about 250,000 to 370,000 acres) will be re-opened, which is the area with most tourists visit.
• The objective of all of this to maintain the tourist season as normal as possible.
• On top of this, the Government will put special emphasis on protecting the existing flora and fauna in Torres del Paine National Park.

The information has changed in the last two days. The areas of the park that are unaffected by the fire are open as of today. However, there are still 4 fires burning and they are very difficult to control with the strong winds. Needless to say, it is a tremendous tragedy for the flora and fauna of one of the most beautiful places on earth. Moreover, it is a tragedy for tourism and the people of the region who lives rely on tourism. Please send thoughts and prayers for the park, the animals, the firefighters, and the people of Chilean Patagonia.