Chile declares state of emergency as wildfires kill 15 and force evacuations

Wildfires in Chile's Nuble and Biobio regions have killed 15 people and prompted about 50,000 evacuations; the government declared a state of emergency and mobilised the armed forces.

Large wildfires have burned across the Nuble and Biobio regions in southern Chile for two days. Officials reported 15 people have died and about 50,000 residents were evacuated. Nearly 4,000 firefighters and emergency teams have been working to contain multiple blazes while high temperatures and strong winds persisted. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency and authorised the involvement of the armed forces. Known details: - Officials reported 15 fatalities and about 50,000 people evacuated in the Nuble and Biobio regions, according to the security minister. - Authorities said roughly 14 separate fires have affected about 8,500 hectares and that nearly 4,000 firefighters were responding. - The president declared a state of emergency and the armed forces were assigned to support operations in the affected areas. Summary: The fires have resulted in loss of life and large-scale evacuations across two southern regions. Authorities have mobilised additional resources, including the armed forces, and emergency response operations remain active.