'Severe' forest fires prompt Chile travel warning from FCDO
Will Payne"Severe" forest fires burning across a number of regions in southern Chile has prompted a Foreign Office travel warning.
The Chilean government has ordered a number of national parks and reserves to close in the Nuble, Biobio and Araucania regions.
The FCDO said: "Forest fires can be highly destructive and spread rapidly; roads might be closed and can affect your travel itinerary.
"You should monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities. Avoid the areas they advise are at risk and follow evacuation procedures if instructed to by authorities."
Local authorities have advised tourists to take shelter if they find themselves in one of the affected regions, but claimed "tourism carries on as usual" in the rest of the country.
The Chilean Sub-secretary of Tourism said the current forest fire emergency has had an impact on tourism operations, but only in the regions where the fight against the fires continues.
"We call on foreign and national tourists to find more information through official channels, such as Senapred and Conaf, regarding the emergency situation and its impact on destinations located in the affected regions," said under-secretary of tourism, Harry Estay.
"The recommendation is also to contact tourist service providers and evaluate with all the background if it is pertinent to make the trip."
The authority also stressed air connectivity has not been affected and flights to and from Chile have so far not suffered any changes.
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