Massive and unprecedented forest fires in central and southern Chile, especially in the Biobio and Nuble regions, have killed at least 18 people and destroyed large parts of residential areas. These fires have spread at high speed and have been described as fireballs.
Chilean President Gabriel Borich declared a state of emergency in two southern regions to mobilize additional military forces and resources to contain the fire and provide relief.
More than 50,000 people have reportedly been evacuated and at least 250 homes have been destroyed; in the city of Penco, the local mayor warned that more than 3,000 homes were under direct threat and the fire had reached a hospital, gas station and entire areas.
Firefighters are battling 24 active fires across the country, the largest of which has burned more than 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres). Weather conditions, including extreme heat of up to 38 degrees Celsius and strong winds, have made it extremely difficult to contain the fires.
