The Organization of World Heritage Cities – OWHC joins in solidarity with the population of Valparaiso in the face of the devastating forest fire that has impacted the region.

The fires that spread through the coastal hills quickly reached the urban areas surrounding the heritage city on the night of Friday, February 2, causing great destruction, including the loss of human lives. The local governments and administrations are working hard to save lives and control, as soon as possible, the still active outbreaks.

It is our duty to mobilize and reinforce measures to prevent and mitigate damage caused by fires of natural or human origin. The OWHC and its members extend their support and solidarity to the entire population of the Valparaiso region, especially to the families and friends of those who have died in this catastrophe.