As Chile continues to battle one of its most severe wildfire emergencies in recent years, a dedicated mobile veterinary clinic has become a crucial lifeline for the nation's furry survivors. Veterinarians and volunteers are working against the clock to provide emergency care to animals affected by the devastating blazes that have left communities in ruins.
Ground Zero in Lirquén
The small town of Lirquén in south-central Chile has emerged as ground zero for the catastrophic fires that have been burning for days. With approximately 20,000 inhabitants, the inferno has consumed a staggering 80% of the city, leaving behind a landscape of ash and destruction. Official data reveals the nationwide toll stands at least 20 fatalities and nearly 300 injuries, with the Trinitarias fire alone consuming more than 140 square kilometres in the Bío Bío region.
A Makeshift Sanctuary on Wheels
Inside a small van converted into a makeshift clinic, veterinary teams led by Angiella Scalpello from the investigative police's canine squad are treating a steady stream of cats, dogs and other animals. "Our main goal is to help animals that have been rescued, found in the rubble, in the ash, or that managed to escape with their owners but suffered injuries due to this massive fire," Scalpello explained to The Associated Press.
Most animals arrive with severe burns to their paws and whiskers, suffering from dehydration or conjunctivitis caused by toxic fumes after spending days trapped under debris. The mobile unit provides critical first aid including:
- Intravenous fluids for dehydration
- Comprehensive vital signs checkups
- Emergency wound care and treatment
- Referral of severe cases to veterinary hospitals
The Race Against Time
Veterinarian Juan Vivanco, who works in the mobile unit, emphasised the urgent nature of their mission. "We usually find cats that were sheltering in small corners and that survived both the fire and the days that followed," he said. However, he warned that "the longer they wait, the less likely they are to survive", noting that teams regularly discover deceased pets among the ruins.
Although the blaze is now under control in Lirquén, the strong smell of burning and fine ash dust still permeate the narrow streets. As debris removal continues and the town assesses the extensive damage, rescuers anticipate discovering more animals in the coming days.
Heartbreaking Rescues and Personal Stories
The mobile clinic has witnessed numerous emotional rescues, including what volunteer Vanessa Morales described as particularly touching cases. "We've transported four or five puppies, in addition to three kittens. The last kitten we brought in yesterday really touched us, because it had all four paws and its tail burned," she recounted, explaining they immediately transferred the severely injured animal to an emergency centre.
Residents like Kevin Carrasco have brought their pets to the clinic for treatment of stress-related conditions and injuries. His senior poodle Chica escaped the flames thanks to his family's swift evacuation, but developed eye problems requiring veterinary attention. "I noticed her eyes were a little sore, with some discharge, so I looked for help, and luckily there was a veterinarian here who gave me some drops for her," Carrasco explained.
The Search for Missing Companions
Other residents visit the clinic seeking information about pets lost during the chaotic evacuations. Yasna Hidalgo is searching for her 85-year-old grandmother's two dogs, who disappeared when the elderly woman had to abandon her home hurriedly before it was completely destroyed.
The human cost of the disaster has been profound, with tens of thousands ordered to evacuate over the weekend. Student María Paz, 21, recounted the devastation: "Everything burned, we lost everything. All 200 houses in our town burned down. People died, families died, neighbors died, and many animals died, including my little kitten."
A National Emergency Unfolds
This wildfire crisis is already considered one of Chile's most serious emergencies in recent years, coming just two years after massive wildfires claimed more than 130 lives. Among the 30 fires currently burning across the country, the Trinitarias fire stands as the most devastating, having transformed communities like Lirquén into scenes of utter destruction.
The mobile veterinary clinic represents a beacon of hope amid the devastation, providing essential care to animals who have survived one of nature's most destructive forces. As Chile continues to grapple with this environmental catastrophe, these dedicated professionals and volunteers remain committed to saving every possible life, offering comfort to both animals and their grieving owners in this time of unprecedented crisis.
