Chile Declares Catastrophe: Wildfires Kill 18, Force 20,000 Evacuations

• Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío regions due to severe wildfires.
• The fires have resulted in at least 18 deaths and forced approximately 20,000 people to evacuate their homes.
• Firefighters are battling 24 active fires, with the largest concentrated in the declared emergency regions, about 500 km south of Santiago.
• Nearly 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) have been consumed, and at least 250 homes have been destroyed.
• Strong winds and high temperatures, reaching up to 38 C (100 F), are exacerbating the fires and hindering control efforts.

Why It Matters: Chile faces a catastrophic wildfire crisis, leading to deaths, mass evacuations, and widespread destruction.