Chilean authorities declared a yellow alert on Tuesday for Melipilla province, near Santiago, due to a spreading wildfire that has raised concerns in the region.

Related:

Chile Declares Red Alert for Forest Fires in Several Communes

The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) confirmed it is monitoring the situation, while local officials have taken emergency measures—including suspending classes in affected municipalities: María Pinto, Curacaví, Alhué, and San Pedro. The decision aims to protect students and residents from heavy smoke engulfing the area.

According to the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), the fire remains active and has already consumed 800 hectares of rural land.

Firefighters from across the region, supported by two Conaf brigades and a technical team, are working to contain the flames.

The yellow alert enables faster resource mobilization to combat the blaze, with authorities preparing for a potential escalation to red alert—which could trigger evacuations in high-risk zones.

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