The UK Foreign Office has issued fresh travel advice to British tourists heading to a popular South American hotspot.

Known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant culture and rich history, Chile is a much-loved holiday destination among British tourists.

However, the country is currently experiencing severe wildfires in the central and southern regions of La Araucanía, Ñuble and Biobío. There are also wildfires in the O’Higgins and Maule regions. 

Now a red alert has been issues in the Araucanía region as well as an extended curfew until 6am Wednesday.

Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, Esteban Valenzuela Van Treek, shared footage showing a fire burning near Traiguén, highlighting the severity of the situation. Authorities remain on high alert as extreme weather conditions fuel the blazes.

The UK Foreign Office advised travellers to “stay up-to-date” to monitor the situation.

It said: “Chilean authorities are advising people to avoid the affected areas, follow official channels for up-to-date information and, in the case of an evacuation order, follow the evacuation process swiftly and calmly.

“On 8 February, the Chilean government declared a State of Emergency in Maule and Ñuble regions because of the wildfires.

“If you are in the affected areas, or in an area at risk of wildfires, keep up to date with and follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services.”

The Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) confirmed 31 people had been affected by the fires, and 16 houses had been destroyed by Tuesday.

On Saturday, Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency in the central regions of Maule and Nuble and imposed a nighttime curfew in parts of the Araucania region amid a wildfire crisis.

Mr Boric said there are “well-founded reasons to believe that a large part of the fires affecting La Araucania are intentional,” Chilean news outlet T13 reported.

He said at a news conference at the presidential palace that he instructed the police to investigate and identify those responsible.

The crisis follows last year’s devastating wildfires in the Valparaiso region which killed at least 136 people and destroyed more than 6,600 homes.​​​​​​​