Chile forest fire death toll reaches 16 amid state of emergency declaration

Chile Declares State of Emergency in Two Southern Regions Due to Active Forest Fires

President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency in two southern regions of Chile, Biobio and Nuble, following the spread of active forest fires. The declaration was made on Sunday, allowing the armed forces to assist with firefighting efforts.

According to Security Minister Luis Cordero, at least 16 people have died as a result of the fires, with 15 deaths confirmed in the Biobio region. The total number of fatalities has increased from one previously reported death in Nuble.

The majority of evacuations have taken place in the cities of Penco and Lirquen, which are home to approximately 60,000 people. Authorities report that around 250 homes have been destroyed by the fires, which have burned an area of approximately 85 square kilometers across Biobio and Nuble.

Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde stated that unfavorable weather conditions in the coming days will make firefighting efforts more challenging due to extreme temperatures. The situation is described as “complicated.”

The region has experienced similar forest fires in recent years, with a major incident in February 2024 resulting in over 130 deaths.

Source: Al Jazeera