At least 23 dead in dozens of forest fires in Chile

Dozens of

Chile

prompted the government to extend an emergency order to another region, as a blistering summer heat wave complicates efforts to control the fires that have claimed at least 23 lives so far.

At least 979 people have been injured by the raging fires, according to an official report released later on Saturday.

The latest emergency order covers the southern region of La Araucanía, along with the previously declared Biobío and Nuble regions, located near the middle of the long Pacific coast of the South American country.

"The weather conditions have made it very difficult to put out (the fires) that are spreading and the emergency is getting worse," Interior Minister

told reporters at a press conference in the capital, Santiago.

"We have to reverse that curve," she added, noting that 76 more fires had been declared by Friday.

According to authorities, another 16 fires have been fanned when local temperatures in the southern summer exceeded 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).

The three sparsely populated regions to which the emergency orders apply are home to numerous farms, including those that grow grapes, apples and berries for export, as well as extensive forest areas.

The authorities informed the press that the governments of Spain, the United States, Argentina, Ecuador, Brazil and Venezuela have offered help, including planes and firefighters.

The authorities reported that 11 of the victims, or half of those registered so far, died in the town of Santa Juana, in Biobío, located about 500 km south of Santiago.

Since late last week, helicopters have dropped fire retardant on the flames as clouds of smoke clogged roads.

Both firefighters and locals struggle to contain the flames against an orange sky as a backdrop.

The orders allow for the deployment of additional soldiers and resources to deal with the natural catastrophe.

According to published official data, the fire has devastated some 40,000 hectares, an area larger than that of the US city of Philadelphia.

The

reported that 80 of the total 231 forest fires are being actively fought, while 151 of them are under control.

Officials noted that more than 90% of wildfires have been put out before they spread beyond 5 hectares (12 acres).

On Friday, President

interrupted his summer vacation and traveled to Nuble and Biobío, pledging to ensure that the affected areas receive all the necessary help.

Boric also pointed to "indications" that some fires may have been set intentionally, but did not provide further details.

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