January 02, 2012, 11:00 a.m. (Chilean Standard Time)
- Until now, more than 12,000 hectares (almost 30,000 acres) have been effected by the fire in Torres del Paine National Park. 1/3 of this being native forest, and 2/3 being grassland and steppe.
- There are 753 fire fighters working on the control of the fire.
- There are 6 seats of fire, 4 of which are being controlled, although it cannot be excluded that they may expand again, due to the strong wind.
- The other 2 seats of fire are not growing, but work still continues to control them.
- The Government is preparing and is taking all measurements to partially re-open Torres del Paine National Park from Wednesday, January 04, if the conditions maintain the same as until now or get better.
- This re-opening will be initially in the Northern sector of the Park, corresponding to Laguna Azul, Laguna Amarga, Campamento Cuernos, Campamento Serón, Campamento Perros. In the first stage, 100,000 to 150,000 hectares (about 250,000 to 370,000 acres) will be re-opened, which is the area with most tourists visit.
- The objective of all of this to maintain the touristic season as normal as possible.
- On top of this, the Government will put special emphasis on protecting the existing flora and fauna in Torres del Paine National Park.
Please note that this is my own, lose translation, which might not be 100% correct and therefore cannot reflect President Sebastian Piñera's words.
