Worst wildfires in Chile's history continue to burn
The worst wildfires in the history of Chile continue to burn out of control, and little relief is expected over the next week.
As of Jan. 31, there were 111 active fires ongoing throughout the country. More than 1.4 million acres have been burned since July 1 of 2016 with most occurring in the last two months.
This is a 4,500-5,000 percent increase from the 2015-2016 wildfire season.
A wildfire approaches Chile's Dichato community, Monday, Jan. 30, 2017, where firefighters are working to keep the flames away from the estimated 800 homes. Families continue to be evacuated as firefighters battle the fires that are consuming a part of southern Chile. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Several years of drought combined with an extended period of extreme heat and dry weather since December have helped to fuel the historic wildfires.
Unfortunately, continued dry weather with unseasonable heat is expected following a brief cooldown on Thursday and Friday.
Along with the hot and dry weather, gusty winds are possible during the afternoon hours each day through the weekend.
A Brazilian C-130 Hercules aircraft drops fire retardent on a wildfire in Chile's community of Dichato, Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. Flames from raging wildfires in Chile continued to spread, destroying forests, livestock and entire towns. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
At least nine countries have supplied some form of aid to Chile to help combat the fires, ranging from fire-fighters to aircraft and relief funds, according to wildfiretoday.com.
At least 11 people have been killed by the fires which includes the pilot of an air tanker and four firefighters. More than 1,000 homes have been destroyed, and thousands more remain at risk.
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