Being with forest fires in Chile at least 23 people died. According to the authorities in the South American country, 979 people were injured. Nearly a hundred houses have been destroyed and more than 1,100 people are staying in shelters.
An emergency order is in force in the regions of Araucania, Ñuble and Biobío. This makes it possible to deploy the army in firefighting and relief efforts.
Heat wave
The fires have been raging for a week in an area about 500 kilometers south of the capital Santiago. About 40,000 hectares have burned down. According to Carolina Tohá, interior minister, as much land has already been burned as normal in an entire year. Since Friday, the number of fires has grown by more than fifty, to about 250. About 80 fires are not yet under control.
The weather conditions make it difficult to extinguish the fires. It is summer in Chile and the country is struggling with a heat wave. This is accompanied by strong winds and drought. The temperatures are above 40 degrees.
emergency aid
On Friday, a helicopter crashed in La Araucania, killing two people, according to authorities. Most victims have so far fallen in the city of Santa Juana, about 500 kilometers south of Santiago. So far 11 people have died there. Spain, the United States, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil and Venezuela have offered assistance, such as planes and firefighters.
President Gabriel Boric has cut short his vacation to visit the disaster area. Boric also said there are indications that some of the fires were started deliberately, but did not provide additional details.