18 Dead, 20,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Tear Through Southern Chile

Wildfires raging across southern Chile have killed at least 18 people, forced 20,000 evacuations and destroyed homes as authorities declared regional emergencies.

At least 18 people have been killed and around 20,000 others forced to evacuate as fast-spreading wildfires rage across southern Chile, government officials said on Sunday.

Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) reported firefighters were battling 24 active wildfires nationwide, with the most severe blazes burning in the Ñuble and Biobío regions.