Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in two regions where deadly wildfires have left at least 18 people dead.
More than 50,000 people have also been evacuated in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, about 500km (300 miles) south of the capital Santiago.
Boric indicated that the death toll is expected to increase.
The most dangerous fire has swept through dry forests bordering the coastal city of Concepción, destroying around 250 homes.
Local media has shown images of charred cars filling the streets. Chile's forestry agency, Conaf, reported that firefighters battled 24 active fires on Sunday, with the most threatening ones located in Ñuble and Biobío.
As of now, the fires have consumed 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) in the affected regions. In light of the serious ongoing wildfires, I have decided to declare a state of catastrophe, Boric said in a post on X, emphasizing that all resources are available for firefighting.
This declaration allows for the deployment of Chilean armed forces to assist in firefighting and evacuation efforts. The bulk of evacuations occurred in the cities of Penco and Lirquen, which together have a population of around 60,000.
Strong winds and soaring temperatures, expected to reach 38°C in the coming days, have worsened the situation, posing risks to communities and obstructing firefighting efforts. Much of Chile remains under heat alerts.
The nation has faced devastating fires in recent years, with ongoing drought contributing to the severity of the current situation.
Previously, in 2024, wildfires in the Valparaíso region near Santiago resulted in at least 120 fatalities.
