Chile Declares State of Catastrophe as Wildfires Kill 15 and Force Mass Evacuations

Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Ñuble and Biobío regions after wildfires killed at least 15 people and forced the evacuation of 20,000 to 50,000 residents. Firefighters are battling 24 active fires, with nearly 8,500 hectares burned and over 250 homes destroyed. Authorities cited strong winds and high temperatures, reaching up to 38°C, as factors worsening the fires. The emergency allows military involvement, though some local officials reported delays in federal response.