At least 24 dead as Chile battles out-of-control wildfires

At least 24 dead as Chile battles out-of-control wildfires

At least 24 people are dead as dozens of wildfires rage in Chile amid a scorching heat wave, Chilean authorities confirmed to ABC News.

The fatalities included two firefighters, authorities said. Approximately 1,000 people have also been injured, with 26 in life-threatening condition, and 1,475 people were evacuated and staying in shelters, authorities said.

As of Sunday evening, 260 fires were active in the South American country, with 28 out of control and considered dangerous, authorities said. At least 270,000 hectares of forests have been destroyed so far, according to official data.

PHOTO: Firefighters work to extinguish flames alongside a road near Nacimiento, Chile, on Feb. 4, 2023. Wildfires are spreading in southern and central Chile, triggering evacuations and the declaration of a state of emergency in some regions. (Matias Delacroix/AP)
PHOTO: Firefighters work to extinguish flames alongside a road near Nacimiento, Chile, on Feb. 4, 2023. Wildfires are spreading in southern and central Chile, triggering evacuations and the declaration of a state of emergency in some regions. (Matias Delacroix/AP)
PHOTO: A residence is seen on fire in Santa Juana, near Concepcion, Chile, Feb. 3, 2023. (Juan Gonzalez/Reuters)
PHOTO: A residence is seen on fire in Santa Juana, near Concepcion, Chile, Feb. 3, 2023. (Juan Gonzalez/Reuters)

A state of emergency has been declared in the central-southern regions of La Araucania, Ñuble and Biobío, which have been especially hard-hit by the fires.

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Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Brazil and Colombia will be supporting the firefighting efforts with aircraft and logistics, Chilean authorities said.

PHOTO: A woman clears debris from a landscape of charred remains in Santa Ana, Chile, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Matias Delacroix/AP)
PHOTO: A woman clears debris from a landscape of charred remains in Santa Ana, Chile, on Feb. 4, 2023. (Matias Delacroix/AP)

Chile has been battling scores of wildfires amid high temperatures and a prolonged drought. The heat wave is expected to continue until at least Wednesday, with forecasted temperatures of at least 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Strong winds are also expected, which risk worsening fire conditions.

At least 24 dead as Chile battles out-of-control wildfires originally appeared on abcnews.go.com