Chile Wildfires: Death Toll Rises to 112; 40 Fires Still Active

The death toll from the devastating wildfires in Chile has tragically risen to 112, making it the deadliest fire event in the nation’s history, according to officials from the Interior Ministry. The fires, which started over the weekend, have left approximately 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) burned in central and southern areas, as reported by the national disaster service, SENAPRED.

During a press conference on Sunday, Undersecretary Manuel Monsalve confirmed that there are still 40 active fires across the country. Additionally, the medical examiner has received 112 reports of deaths, with 32 bodies already identified. The toll is feared to increase significantly in the coming days, reflecting the magnitude of this tragedy.

The most severe fires occurred in the vicinity of Viña del Mar, where a well-known botanical garden, established in 1931, fell victim to the flames. As a result, over 1,600 individuals have been left homeless in the area. These fires have been intensified by a heatwave that has affected various other Latin American countries as well.

Smoke from the wildfires has engulfed several coastal cities of Chile, leading to a state of emergency being proclaimed. The residents in the most affected regions have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the hazardous conditions. In Viña del Mar and its surrounding areas, where flames and smoke have devastated neighborhoods, approximately 200 people remain missing.

Sunday’s press conference by President Gabriel Boric addressed the severity of the situation and declared the upcoming Monday and Tuesday as national mourning days to honor the victims of this tragedy. Boric further emphasized that the death toll is expected to rise significantly as the search and rescue operations continue.

As a response to the dire situation, Governor Rodrigo Mundaca announced a curfew in the towns of Viña del Mar, Quilpue, Villa Alemana, and Limache. This measure aims to prioritize the efforts of officials in extinguishing the fires.

The town of Quilpue has been heavily impacted, with Mayor Valeria Melipillan stating that it is likely the largest fire the area has ever experienced. Around 1,400 homes have been damaged, with some residents reluctant to leave their houses despite evacuation attempts.

Pope Francis expressed his condolences and called for prayers for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Chile. On X, he shared a message urging people to pray for the deceased and injured victims.

In response to the crisis, President Boric announced that the defense ministry would send additional military personnel to the affected areas and provide all necessary supplies. It is worth noting that Chile experienced similar devastating wildfires in February 2023, where they swept through over 400,000 hectares, claiming the lives of more than 22 individuals.