Raging wildfires advance as heatwave hits central Chile

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Five people were reported to have been killed in Chile amid raging wildfires that have consumed 14,000 hectares (34,594 acres), according to officials.

The fires are progressing during high summer temperatures which have reached 41 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit). Strong winds have caused the blaze to spread in the regions of Biobio and Nuble in southcentral Chile, where authorities have declared a red alert.

Interior Minister Carolina Toha said Friday that the fires claimed the lives of four people who were traveling in two vehicles. Two were killed when the fires consumed the road they were on, while the other two died in a car accident as they tried to escape.

The Fire Department said hours later that the fifth victim is a volunteer of the 3rd Fire Company of Yobilo who was helping fight the fire that is developing in Santa Juana.

There were 192 active fires throughout the country early Friday, which dropped to 151 by midday, according to authorities. Hundreds have been evacuated, forcing the government to declare a widened state of emergency.

President Gabriel Boric traveled to Biobio and Nuble, which are known for agriculture and forestry.

"The entire force of the state will be deployed to fight the flames and to accompany all the victims," he said.

The National Forestry Corporation said the fires are being fought by land and 77 aircraft.

Toha added that additional aircraft are being negotiated with Argentina and Brazil.