Wildfires in central and southern Chile killed at least 18 people. The blazes scorched 8,500 hectares and forced 50,000 to evacuate. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions.
The fires began amid a severe heatwave. The emergency declaration allows increased military coordination. Security Minister Luis Cordero confirmed the evacuation numbers.
Scores of homes were destroyed. Firefighters are struggling to contain the flames. The government is working to provide aid to affected residents.
Chile is experiencing unusually high temperatures. The fires are concentrated about 500km south of Santiago. Twenty-four wildfires are currently active.
Authorities will focus on containing the fires. Investigations into the cause of the blazes are underway. The government will assess long-term recovery needs.
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