Local authorities in Chile’s Valparaíso region reported that a devastating forest fire has claimed the lives of at least 112 people, marking what is believed to be the deadliest forest fire in Chile’s history. Responding to the crisis, President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency, pledging to allocate “all necessary resources” to address the situation. The victims, many of whom were visiting the coastal region during the summer holidays, faced challenges as rescue services struggled to access the most severely affected areas.
The health ministry in Valparaíso issued a health alert, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency by the government. The health ministry recommended the suspension of elective surgeries and authorized the establishment of temporary field hospitals. In a bid to alleviate pressures on the health service, the ministry announced plans to hire medicine students nearing the end of their studies.
Interior Minister Carolina Tohá acknowledged the challenges faced by rescue services and warned that the death toll could rise significantly in the coming hours. The Chilean government has advised against travel to the affected areas and urged residents to exercise caution.
Residents in the impacted areas shared harrowing experiences, with one describing the situation as “hell.” Rodrigo Pulgar, a 61-year-old resident from El Olivar, recounted attempting to help his neighbor but soon realized that his own house was engulfed in flames. Pulgar explained the difficulties faced by older residents in the area and lamented the loss of life due to challenges in evacuation.
The housing ministry reported that between 3,000 and 6,000 houses have been affected by the fires, underscoring the widespread impact on communities. To facilitate emergency response efforts, a curfew was imposed in Viña del Mar, Limache, Quilpué, and Villa Alemana.
President Boric announced the deployment of 1,400 firefighters on Sunday, with military personnel supporting emergency services. Investigations into the cause of the fires are underway. To prevent further complications, the government has prohibited the handling of fire and heat-producing machines in Valparaíso and the nearby Marga Marga region.
Valparaíso, a popular coastal town located 116 km from the capital Santiago, faces an escalating crisis as the government works to manage the unprecedented forest fires. The incident follows a pattern of increasingly frequent and lethal wildfires witnessed in other regions of Chile, such as Biobío and Ñuble, in the previous year.
