Wildfires race across Chile, leaving 18 dead and forcing thousands to flee
AP News • • general
Key Points:
- Wildfires in central and southern Chile have killed at least 18 people, destroyed hundreds of homes, and burned over 8,500 hectares amid a severe heat wave.
- President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobio and Ñuble regions to enable military coordination in combating more than two dozen active fires.
- The fires have forced the evacuation of 50,000 residents, with damage expected to worsen as the number of affected homes in Biobio alone is estimated to exceed 1,000.
- Firefighters face difficult conditions due to extreme heat, strong winds, and temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F), with the heat wave expected to continue.
- Local authorities and residents criticized delayed government
