BUSH BLAZE

Dramatic pictures show Chilean firefighters battling devastating forest fires that are ravaging woodland and vineyards

Fire crews have been battling numerous woodland fires that have hit the wine-producing region of Maule

SUN REPORTER

Published: 1:18, 20 Jan 2017
Updated: 1:33, 20 Jan 2017

CHILEAN firefighters are continuing to tackle a series of devastating forest fires that are sweeping the country.

Fire crews have been battling numerous woodland fires that have hit the wine-producing region of Maule, Cauquenes.

Chilean firefighters are working hard to try and get the numerous forest fires in the Maule Region under control — Chilean firefighters are working hard to try and get the numerous forest fires in the Maule Region under controlCredit: EPA

Fire crews have been battling the forest wildfires that are reportedly spreading at a rate of 4,200 metres per hour — Fire crews have been battling the forest wildfires that are reportedly spreading at a rate of 4,200 metres per hourCredit: EPA

Firefighters carry the body of one of the three men killed while tackling the raging inferno — Firefighters carry the body of one of the three men killed while tackling the raging infernoCredit: Reuters

RELATED STORIES

Dramatic moment Isle of Wight passenger ferry catches fire during crossing sending plumes of black smoke into the air over the Solent

Dramatic moment Isle of Wight passenger ferry catches fire during crossing sending plumes of black smoke into the air over the Solent

First pics of the six kids who died in house blaze that ripped through house while they slept

HOUSE FIRE HORROR

First pics of the six kids who died in house blaze that ripped through house while they slept

One kid killed, five others feared dead and mum-of-nine injured after massive blaze rips through their Baltimore house while they slept

One kid killed, five others feared dead and mum-of-nine injured after massive blaze rips through their Baltimore house while they slept

Seventeen-storey building collapses in Iranian capital Tehran after blaze leaving at least 75 dead including 45 firefighters

Seventeen-storey building collapses in Iranian capital Tehran after blaze leaving at least 75 dead including 45 firefighters

At least three firefighters have reportedly been killed while tackling the blazing infernos with the woodland fires spreading at a speed of 4,200 metres per hour.

Local reports suggest Pumanque, Marchigüe, Santa Cruz, Palmilla, Peralillo, Rengo and Malloa are the worst affected areas.

Pablo Stephanio, CONAF regional director, said: "The region has five forest fires ongoing at the moment."

He added that two fires in Pumanque and Paredones have engulfed each other, creating one gigantic blaze.
The fires broke out earlier this month following an "incredibly hot summer", with prolonged drought and erratic winds whipping up a perfect storm for wildfires.

The blaze was sparked after an "incredibly hot summer" following by a prolonged drought and erratic winds — The blaze was sparked after an "incredibly hot summer" following by a prolonged drought and erratic windsCredit: EPA

Fire crews continue to tackle the forest fires in the mountainous central Maule region, south of Chile — Fire crews continue to tackle the forest fires in the mountainous central Maule region, south of ChileCredit: Reuters

More than 20,000 hectares have reportedly been decimated this week alone with vineyards now concerned that harvests could be wiped out. As a result, the entire wine valley region has been placed on a 'red' emergency alert.

No wineries have yet reported damage but fruit plantations, houses and forests have all fallen victim to the blazes.

Polkura winemaker Sven Bruchfeld, from Marchigüe, told : "A month ago two fires passed really close to our vineyards – just 20 metres away.

"‘We have had lots of fires this summer in Colchagua and Chile in general.

"You have to be really careful, and be organised between neighbours to help each other protect the vineyards."

Volunteer firefighters have now been deployed alongside the national forest corporation, CONAF, in a bid to get the raging infernos under control.