Chile Declares State of Catastrophe as Wildfires Claim Lives of At Least 18

Santiago, Chile – Wildfires tearing through central and southern Chile have killed at least 18 people and forced the evacuation of over 50,000, prompting President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of catastrophe in the affected regions. The blazes have scorched an estimated 8,500 hectares of forest and destroyed approximately 250 homes, according to disaster officials.

The state of catastrophe was declared in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, located about 500km (300 miles) south of the capital, Santiago. President Boric stated that the death toll was expected to rise as firefighters continued to battle the flames. The most dangerous fire was reported to be sweeping through dry forests bordering the coastal city of Concepción.

Local media outlets have published images depicting the devastation, including charred cars in the streets. Chile's forestry agency, Conaf, reported that firefighters were actively combating 24 separate fires across the affected areas. The fires have spread rapidly due to a heatwave gripping the South American country.