The State Department alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Chile of ongoing forest fires in and around Torres del Paine National Park. As a result of the fires, the Park will be closed through the month of January. The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Park due to the uncontained nature of these fires and the dangers associated with their unpredictable changes in direction. Travelers are encouraged to visit the official website of the Chilean National Park Service (CONAF) for up-to-date information at www.conaf.cl. This Travel Alert expires on January 31, 2012.

Chilean authorities have been battling serious forest fires in the Torres del Paine National Park for over two days. Tourists have been blocked from entering the park, and hotels have been evacuated. The Government of Chile has now announced the closure of the Park through the month of January, which will affect many visitors during the peak season. Other attractions in the region appear unaffected at this time.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Chile are encouraged to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of an emergency.

U.S. citizens living in Chile should contact the U.S. Embassy in Santiago for the most up-to-date information. The American Citizen Services Unit is located in the Embassy at Avenida Andres Bello 2800, Las Condes, Santiago, and can be reached by calling 56-2-330-3000, or by e-mailing santiagoamcit@state.gov.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

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