The recent destructive wildfire in Chile is revealed to have seasonal severe wildfires annually.

The recent devastating outbreak has proven to be exceedingly unexpected, eventually catching tremendously unprepared with its unprecedented speed and intensity overall.

In the first week of February 2024, Chile was swamped by deadly fires that spread swiftly, with temperatures reaching 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

The tragic event unveiled on Sunday along Chile’s Coast roughly killed 112 and left hundreds unaccounted for, leading to a shadow of uncertainty over the affected society.

The surged smoke that covered the hillsides formed an eerie scene of destruction, while the flames ruined the entire land.

As the flames gradually ravaged the land, the road leading to the sea, a section of land, and bridges were ultimately burnt, while tree remnants gradually burned on the hillsides.

Meanwhile, the remnants of cars were scattered everywhere, across the road and along the bridges.

This serves as eerie haunting memories of the catastrophic path the wildfire had taken.

Initial indication indicates insufficient evacuation instructions, which a few locals referred to could have played a crucial part in several losses.

It impacted the entire surrounding including nearby neighborhoods and traffic.

As reported by the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED acronym in Spanish), at the topmost peak of the fire outbreak, a total of 165 active fires were recorded.

The happening of four fires was set in the same forest on February 2 which was considered as a potential to cause further investigation as a result.

Once the death reached 64, President Gabriel Boric stated, “That number is going up, we know it’s going to go up significantly”.

He mentioned the fires in the Valparaíso area as the most destructive disaster in the nation since a cataclysmic earthquake in the year 2010 that led to more than 400 people deaths and displaced 1.5 million.

As rescue continues, the priority remains on searching for the missing individuals and providing firm support to those who have lost their homes and properties.

Due to the flames, countless houses were destroyed as it swept through hilly settlements.

This incident led citizens to stand in a real-time tragedy.

The fire broke out while numerous people were enjoying their summer holiday in Viña del Mar, a city with a population of about 330,000.

It spread to the nearby smaller towns known as Quilpué, Limache, and Villa Alemana.

Some older residents were not capable of escaping in the hillside areas where they encountered death in the fire.

Furthermore, the testimonies of witnesses, Mr. Castro declared “It was more like a nuclear bomb than a fire. There’s nothing left”.

Some other neighbors expressed their severe pain as they declared that everyone was shouting instructions and wailing to the wind as the sky seemed completely pitch black.

This further highlights the helplessness and chaos experienced during this real-time harsh tragedy.

The lasting marks from the frightful event will remind people how breakable life is.

This incident also emphasizes the fact that people can unite and remain strong when encountering tough times.

Jeemin Shim

Grade 9

St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju