News
IN RELATION TO THE FIRE AT THE TORRES DEL PAINE NATIONAL PARK, PATAGONIA, CHILE
December 2011
December 29, 2011, 15:30 local time - The fire that is now affecting the Torres del Paine National Park started on Tuesday December 27 in an area covering less than 2 hectares (5 acres) to the north of Lago Grey (Lake Grey). Due to changes in the wind conditions, with gusts of up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour, the fire is now affecting an area of almost 1,000 hectares (2,470 acres).
Given that the Torres del Paine National Park covers an area of 250,000 hectares (62,000 acres), this fire is only affecting a small area of the park.
Although the fire is several kilometers away from our explora operation, smoke from the fire has reached the area surrounding the Hotel Salto Chico. For this reason we are offering to evacuate travelers wanting to leave the park and we are offering alternative accommodation in either the city of Puerto Natales, 190 kilometers (120 miles) from the park or in Punta Arenas, 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the park. Presently, our operation is open and continues to operate normally.
This is simply a precautionary measure and is not by any means cause for alarm. There is no danger at all. All the travelers at explora are safe and well.
The relevant authorities are working around the clock to control the fire, however due to the strong winds it is not known exactly how the fire will spread. It is possible that the fire could affect the arrival of travelers who are due to arrive at explora Patagonia (Hotel Salto Chico) on January 2, 2012. We ask you to please keep checking our website for the latest information which will be updated every 12 hours.
For further information please call 56 2 3952800 or email aarellano@explora.com.
Sincerely,
explora team
