Wildfires have erupted in central Chile, claiming the lives of at least 16 people, according to information provided by the Minister of Civil Security, Luis Cordero, as reported by the newspaper Tercera.
The fire hotspots are mainly concentrated in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, where 24 active blazes have been registered.
As noted in the publication, "as of January 18, the death toll from the wildfires in Biobío has risen to 16 people."
The National Disaster Prevention Service (SENAPRED) announced on X that President Gabriel Boric will visit the affected areas. Earlier, Boric declared a "disaster regime" in the Ñuble and Biobío regions in response to the ongoing fire situation.
