Wildfires rage in Chilean national park
- 12 years ago
ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION).
Wildfires forced officials to close Torres del Paine national park on Friday.
Located in the Chilean Patagonia, the park is a major tourist destination.
The blazes have consumed over 14,000 acres (5700 hectares) despite the efforts of 120 fire-fighters.
Officials say strong winds have pushed the fire along and complicated efforts to put out the blaze.
The national weather service predicted winds of up to 56 miles an hour (90 kilometres an hour) on Friday.
A popular site because of its striking pinnacled peaks, thousands of tourists visit the park in the austral summer for hiking and camping.
Chile is sending another 67 fire-fighters and 50 soldiers as reinforcement.
The Air Force is also providing a helicopter to join four planes already working in the area.
Wildfires forced officials to close Torres del Paine national park on Friday.
Located in the Chilean Patagonia, the park is a major tourist destination.
The blazes have consumed over 14,000 acres (5700 hectares) despite the efforts of 120 fire-fighters.
Officials say strong winds have pushed the fire along and complicated efforts to put out the blaze.
The national weather service predicted winds of up to 56 miles an hour (90 kilometres an hour) on Friday.
A popular site because of its striking pinnacled peaks, thousands of tourists visit the park in the austral summer for hiking and camping.
Chile is sending another 67 fire-fighters and 50 soldiers as reinforcement.
The Air Force is also providing a helicopter to join four planes already working in the area.