Death toll from forest fires in Chile rises to 112, suspected to be intentional

Chile is in the midst of an unprecedented season of destructive wildfires, marking the most severe emergency since the devastating earthquake of 2010.

The number of fatalities has tragically risen to 112, with President Boric cautioning that the death toll may continue to climb. Authorities suspect that these fires were intentionally started, and the local media describes the situation as unprecedented.

Minister of the Interior, Carolina Tohá, confirmed the credibility of reports about intentional fires, saying, “Although there are often rumors, this time they are serious and come from reliable sources.” Tohá expressed that this might surpass the 2010 earthquake in terms of the casualties in recent Chilean history.

The 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010 claimed the lives of 521 people and left 56 missing.

President Gabriel Boric has been personally visiting various fire hotspots, lending support to firefighting brigades. These efforts have been further challenged by scorching temperatures during the southern summer.

Minister Tohá explained, “We are still expecting temperatures above 30 degrees in most parts of the affected area, with some increase in humidity and winds ranging from 20 to 40 kilometers per hour. These are challenging conditions that facilitate the rapid spread of fire.” However, the minister brought a glimmer of hope by announcing the arrival of rain starting Tuesday.

The wildfire continues to advance uncontrollably in the Valparaíso region of Chile.

Governor Mundaca emphasized that the fires were deliberately set. “When four fires ignite simultaneously, just meters apart, it is clear that justice must determine whether this was intentional,” he stated.

“All authorities will exercise utmost rigor and employ all available prerogatives to bring those responsible to justice because these fires have turned into homicides. The 64 lives lost, including minors, cannot go unpunished. We will not hesitate to apply the full force of the law, relentlessly pursue, apprehend, and imprison them. Lives and valuable assets have been lost in this tragedy.”

Pope Francis dedicated a moment of prayer during the traditional Angelus ceremony to the victims of the devastating fires in central Chile.