Chile Wildfires: Historic Death Toll Hits 112 in Unprecedented Blaze

The death toll in Chile’s devastating wildfires has reached 112, marking the deadliest fire event in the nation’s history, according to Interior Minister Carolina Toha.

By Sunday, approximately 26,000 hectares (64,000 acres) had been consumed by the fires in central and southern regions, with 40 active fires still raging. The area surrounding Viña del Mar, where a historic botanical garden was destroyed, witnessed the strongest fires, leaving at least 1,600 people homeless.

Chile faced a heatwave triggering the fires, prompting a state of emergency as smoke engulfed coastal cities, compelling residents to evacuate. President Gabriel Boric declared Monday and Tuesday as national mourning days, anticipating a significant increase in the death toll. A curfew was imposed in several towns to aid firefighting efforts.

Pope Francis urged prayers for the victims, while Chile’s President pledged additional military personnel and necessary supplies. The fires in February 2023 had already claimed over 22 lives and swept through more than 400,000 hectares. As the nation grapples with this unprecedented crisis, efforts are underway to contain the blazes and support affected communities.