Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared the country’s central and southern regions of Nuble and Maule under a state of emergency amid ongoing wildfire spreading. The threat continues to threaten the forests, homes, and lives. The declaration will involve curfews to curb any criminal activity related to the fires.
Speaking from the presidential palace, Boric said that some of the blazes in Araucania, a region south of Santiago, may have been arson attacks. “We will not permit the despicable acts of people or groups that are responsible for these events,” he said.
Currently, at least 15 active wildfires outbreaks have been recorded in Chile, these have further been fuelled by extreme heat temperatures that have already exceeded 40°C (104°F). There have been over 60 arrests made so far related to the fires in Araucania.
Chile has witnessed widespread wildfires in recent years. Fires in the Valparaiso region last year killed dozens and destroyed over 1,000 homes. Official investigations into the cause of the fires are being conducted while officials take urgent steps to prevent any further destruction.