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Chile is currently battling widespread forest fires that have resulted in at least 23 deaths and the evacuation of over 40,000 people, as of February 2, 2024. The fires have consumed vast areas of land in the central and southern regions of the country.
As of Monday, February 5, 2024, fifteen wildfires remained active, having begun on Sunday, February 4, 2024, according to the National Disaster Prevention Service (SENAPRED). The fires have caused significant damage to homes, vehicles, infrastructure, and forests.
State of Catastrophe Declared
Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the central Biobio and neighboring Ñuble regions on Sunday, February 4, 2024.This emergency designation allows for increased coordination with the military to combat the wildfires.