Record temperatures result in blazes leading to around 30 deaths and extensive destruction of land.
Some of Chile’s most renowned vineyards have been hit by wildfires, the devastation in the country resulting in the deaths of around 30 people and the loss of hundreds of homes.
Temperatures in southern Chile have hit 40C (104F), with the resulting fires seeing the Chilean government appealing for international help, with around half of the deaths coming in the Biobío region, the home to extensive grape-growing farms. Around 40,000 hectares of land have been destroyed with many wine producers reporting extensive damage, including A los Viñeros Bravos, Leoncio Wines, Rogue Vine and Viña Altos del Valle.
Altos del Valle, which grows vines in the Bio Bío Valley, reported the complete destruction of its vineyard, but insisted: “We will rise, entrepreneurs are like that – the only way is up.”
Neighbouring countries have rallied round, with offers of assistance from the likes of Brazil, Ecuador and Venezuela, with Argentina sending 64 of its own firefighters and equipment including a Chinook helicopter.
