27 Jan 2017

Devastating wildfires worst in Chile's history

4:55 pm on 27 January 2017

More international help has been arriving in Chile to help the country fight the worst wildfires in the country's modern history.

People work to clean up the debris after a forest fire devastated Santa Olga, 240 kilometres south of Santiago

People work to clean up the debris after a forest fire devastated Santa Olga, 240km south of Santiago. Photo: AFP

Russia has sent a super-tanker aircraft capable of carrying tons of water to douse the fires.

The series of fast-spreading fires, mostly in Chile's central region, are being fanned by strong winds, high temperatures and a prolonged drought.

One town, Santa Olga, has been completely destroyed by the blaze.

Chile's top wine-making region of Maule is also severely affected.

A state of emergency has been declared in the South American country.

- BBC

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