2021_Chilean_Patagonia_wildfire
2021 Chilean Patagonia wildfire
2021 wildfire in Chile
The Chilean Patagonia wildfire was a wildfire affecting Patagonia Park in Aysén Region, southern Chile. The fire begun on Friday July 2, 2021 around 22:00 local time.[1] Radio Cooperativa reported in the night of July 2, 2021 that the fire could be observed 80 km (50 mi) away in the town of Cochrane.[2] It was expected that incoming rain would help mitigate the fire.[3] As of July 3, 2021[update], 150 hectares (370 acres) have burnt.[3] National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry declared the fire a "red alert" emergency on July 3, 2021.[3] By July 7 the fire was "under control but not yet extinguished".[4]
An investigation found out that the fire started when strong winds (120 km/h) caused the chimney flue of a stove to collapse.[4] This happened in a centre for Darwin's rhea reproduction.[4] Two rheas suffered injuries as a result of the fire.[4]