Chile Wildfires Kill 16, Evacuations Hit Thousands
Chile Wildfires Kill 16, Evacuations Hit Thousands
Chile declares a state of emergency as deadly wildfires devastate Biobio and Nuble, killing at least 16 and forcing tens of thousands to evacuate.
Deadly wildfires raged across two southern Chilean regions, Nuble and Biobio, for a second day, killing at least 16 people and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency and authorized the involvement of the armed forces as crews battled flames fueled by gusting winds and hot summer weather.
Authorities said nearly two dozen blazes were burning across Nuble and Biobio, with evacuations centered in the Biobio cities of Penco and Lirquen, a region that is home to about 60,000 people.
Images broadcast by local television showed flames swallowing neighborhoods, charred cars, and smoke hanging over communities as residents sought safety.
Security Minister Luis Cordero gave the toll and noted the fires had been burning for about two days, while Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde said all resources were available to respond.
Two years of past wildfires in the area underscore the ongoing vulnerability of south-central Chile, where the country has battled blazes in the past, including fires near Viña del Mar in 2024 that left 138 dead.
As temperatures rise and winds shift, authorities warned the situation remains volatile and urged residents in affected zones to follow evacuation orders and seek shelter in designated centers.
