At least 64 people have tragically lost their lives as devastating forest fires continue to rage across Chile, according to President Gabriel Boric. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue. Interior Minister Carolina Tohá announced that a staggering 92 active fires have been recorded, engulfing over 43,000 hectares of land. More than 1,350 homes have already been affected by the fires.

In response to the dire situation, President Boric has declared two days of national mourning for the victims of the forest fires, extending condolences to those who have lost loved ones and property. He assured the nation that the government is actively mobilizing resources to address the ongoing crisis.

The fires, which sparked evacuations in central Chile, are spreading rapidly and posing an increasing threat to urban areas, cautioned Tohá. The potential for further devastation is very high. In February 2023, Chile experienced wildfires that ravaged over 400,000 hectares of land and claimed the lives of more than 22 people. While this year's fires have not expanded as extensively, the rapid multiplication of the current blazes presents a grave concern.

The outbreak of fires coincides with a heatwave affecting Chile and several other Latin American countries. Responding to the gravity of the situation, President Boric has declared a state of emergency, and red alerts have been issued for vulnerable areas. The Ministry of Education has set up 20 shelters in the regions of Valparaíso, O'Higgins, and Los Lagos to accommodate those displaced by the fires.

President Boric personally conducted an aerial assessment of the affected regions. "We have mobilized the most significant resources in our history to combat the wildfire season from the very first day, aiming to prevent forest fires and provide assistance to affected individuals," emphasized Boric. More than 450 firefighters and 19 helicopters have been deployed to combat the relentless blazes.

To prioritize firefighting efforts, all mass commercial events, including sports, recreational, and cultural activities, have been suspended in Valparaíso. In this critical period, efforts are being made to stabilize water supply in fire-affected areas by Chile-based water utilities company Esval. Regional manager Alejandro Salas encouraged customers to postpone non-essential tasks like laundry and garden watering to ensure an adequate water supply for firefighting activities.

To facilitate rescue operations and alleviate traffic congestion, a curfew has been extended until Sunday in the towns of Quilpué, Viña del Mar, Linache, and Villa Alemana.

As Chile battles with this devastating natural disaster, the nation is united in grief and solidarity, supporting the government's efforts to combat the fires and provide aid to affected communities.