Death toll from ongoing forest fires in Chile rises to 122

A statement from the Health Service reported that the death toll has increased in the fires continuing in the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.

While the number of people who died in the fires has risen to 122, search efforts for missing persons are ongoing.

A statement from the Forensic Medicine Center indicated that the identification of 32 individuals has been completed through autopsy procedures.

It was reported that aerial and ground interventions to extinguish the fires are continuing.

FIRES IN CHILE

Reports in the local press stated that a fire had broken out at the Lago Penuelas National Reserve, located approximately 20 kilometers from Valparaiso.

The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) announced that the fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and that evacuation procedures had been initiated in some towns.

Interior Minister Toha noted that firefighters had brought approximately 40 fires under control and were continuing to battle 29 forest fires.

Toha had also stated that they suspect some of the fires were started "deliberately."

Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency, stating that "all necessary resources" would be made available.

Stating that a curfew had been declared in the cities in the region affected by the fire, Boric said that the curfew would clear the roads and facilitate the arrival of emergency personnel to the affected areas.

News Source: AA