Uncontrolled forest fires kill 24 in southern Chile

At least 24 people died and more than 1,000 were injured after massive fires devastated southern Chile, destroying more than 100,000 hectares of forest and damaging urban infrastructure, officials said on Sunday. 

The extent of the fires forced the government to prolong a prior “state of catastrophe” decree declared last week in the region of Araucanía, which along with Ñuble and Biobío has been the most affected. At least 10 people have been arrested by authorities for their alleged role in starting the fires and could face up to 20 years in prison.

Authorities insisted that “arson will be criminally prosecuted by the government.” Farming and forestry activities are often linked to these incidents. 

Chilean President Gabriel Boric traveled to the area and attended the funeral of one firefighter who died in the blaze. He called for “unity to face the tragedy and unity to rebuild.” 

As of this weekend, Chile’s disaster service reported 230 active blazes, 80 of which were still out of control. The fires were fueled by a heatwave combined with strong winds. 

Chile’s Interior Ministry disclosed the arrival of international assistance, including Spain’s Emergency Military Unit (UME), which supported Chile in 2017 when similar fires burned up to 360,000 hectares and killed 11 people. 

On Sunday, President Gustavo Petro of Colombia announced the delivery of a plane and expert personnel to assist the fellow Andean nation. “The climate crisis is burning Chile,” said Mr. Petro, whose government is looking to place climate change at the center of discussions.

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