Intense forest fires in central Chile have resulted in at least 46 deaths, with 1,100 homes destroyed in the region of Valparaiso, according to President Gabriel Boric. Four large fires were still burning as of Saturday, and President Boric cautioned that there could be even more casualties as firefighters struggled to reach endangered neighborhoods. In response, he urged Chileans to cooperate with rescue workers and to evacuate if necessary due to the fast-moving, uncontrollable fires and unfavorable weather conditions such as high temperatures, strong winds, and low humidity.
Interior Minister Carolina Tohá announced that 92 forest fires were occurring in central and southern Chile, where temperatures have been abnormally high. Valparaíso was the site of the deadliest fires, with authorities advising thousands of people to leave their homes. Residents in other areas were encouraged to stay at home to facilitate the movement of emergency vehicles along the roads.
Two fires near the towns of Quilpué and Villa Alemana had burned through at least 8,000 hectares (19,770 acres) since Friday. Viña del Mar, a coastal resort town, was under threat from one of the fires, with some neighborhoods already suffering significant damage. In Villa Independencia, a neighborhood east of the town, numerous homes and businesses were lost to the flames. Residents were shocked and distraught by the devastation, with one man expressing disbelief at the loss of everything he had worked for. Shelters were established, and helicopters and firefighters were deployed to the area to combat the fires.
As a result of the fires, power outages were reported and several health facilities had to be evacuated. The fires were concentrated in mountainous areas, making extinguishing them more challenging, while causing widespread harm to the community.