Forest fires in Chile: at least 51 dead, the toll likely to rise further. The tragedy also ravaged 43,000 hectares of forest.
Since Wednesday, the temperature has been close to 40 degrees in central Chile and the capital Santiago. This resulting heat from El Niño is why we see historic records every year, says Pablo Lobos Stephani, head of fire protection at the Chilean national forestry office.. Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency in order to “have all the necessary means” in the face of the progression of the fires.