The Plaza Sur forest fire in San Carlos de Apoquindo, Las Condes—which began Monday, spread rapidly, and saw a hiker rescued by helicopter—has now consumed over 970 hectares. Still active under a communal yellow alert, Conaf-led efforts with aerial support and Army assistance aim for full containment, while smoke impacts Santiago's air quality, prompting health warnings.
Conaf's Wednesday report indicates the fire, which escalated due to winds after igniting near Claro Arena stadium, has doubled in size from earlier estimates of 470 hectares. Ground teams include 11 technicians, seven brigades, five helicopters, two tanker planes, one coordination plane, and a Conaf tanker truck, bolstered by two Chilean Army brigades and fire companies. Focus remains on reinforcing firebreaks.
Regional director Elke Huss and Mayor Catalina San Martín oversaw operations from the command post. Senapred's Alicia Cebrián noted the fire is 'quite more contained,' hoping to lift the alert today and complete extinguishing.
No injuries reported, though smoke inhalation symptoms may appear 24-48 hours later. The Ministry of Health urges vulnerable groups (young children, pregnant women, seniors, respiratory/cardiac patients) to stay indoors, seal windows, avoid smoke triggers, use wet cloths over mouth/nose, and limit activity or travel near the fire.
The dense smoke column visible across Santiago has degraded Metropolitan Region air quality.
