Chile thanks int'l community for help in fighting wildfires

 President Michelle Bachelet on Friday thanked the international community for the help it has given Chile in fighting unprecedented forest fires across the country.

The fires have raged and burned 280,000 hectares and destroyed over 1,200 homes. The country has mobilized 46 planes and around 4,000 ground troops to battle the flames, aside from residents trying to save their possessions.

Until now, at least 10 firefighters have died in trying to control the fires.

Speaking at a press conference, Bachelet noted that Spain has sent an Air Tractor plane, the U.S. has sent an Air Tractor and a Bell 205 helicopter, while Peru has sent a helicopter and a Comac plane.

Furthermore, countries have made economic and material contributions, with the U.S. sending 100,000 U.S. dollars, Colombia sending 29 troops and Mexico dispatching a group.

On Friday morning, Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz also confirmed that rescuers had also arrived from France, Peru, Spain and Argentina.

Bachelet also said that a Russian plane was also being awaited bearing 12 experts who will lend their technical assistance to the operation.

The European Union also announced Friday they would be responding to Chile's call for aid with a spokeswoman stating "the EU is sending aid to Chile as it may face the severe forest fires in the country."

Bachelet reiterated "the gratitude of the government to all the firefighters, rescuers and volunteers that are arriving to protect the lives of our citizens."

source: Xinhua