Intense forest fires in a densely populated area of central Chile have left at least 19 people dead and about 1,100 homes destroyed, officials said Saturday.
In a report from The Associated Press, Chile’s Interior Minister Carolina Tohá said there were currently 92 forest fires burning in the centre and south of the country, where temperatures have been unusually high this week.
The deadliest of the fires were occurring in the region of Valparaíso, where authorities urged people not to leave their homes so that fire engines, ambulances and other emergency vehicles can transit with greater ease.
No details about the 19 people killed were offered.
AP News shared that Toha indicated that two fires near the towns of Quilpué and Villa Alemana had burnt through at least 8,000 hectares (19,770 acres) since Friday and that one of the fires was threatening the coastal resort town of Viña del Mar.
Three shelters have reportedly been set up in the Valparaíso region. Meanwhile, 19 helicopters and more than 450 firefighters have been brought into the area to control the blazes.
Officials have also reported blackouts as a result of the fire.
