More than 100 killed, hundreds missing in wildfires in Chile

At least 112 people are dead and hundreds remain missing after wildfires broke out in coastal cities in central Chile popular with tourists. The wildfires are believed to be the deadliest in the country’s history.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric says the death toll could rise as rescuers work to locate survivors in collapsed homes. Some people living in Vina del Mar were trapped inside their homes.

The fires started on Friday, Feb. 2, but high winds and high temperatures are making it difficult to get the flames under control. Drone video taken by Reuters in the Vina del Mar area showed neighborhoods scorched.

Boric declared two days of national mourning starting Monday, Feb. 5. Local officials are investigating whether the fires were intentionally set. 

Officials have introduced a 9 p.m. curfew for areas hit hardest by the fires.

“All of Chile is suffering,” Boric said. “But we will stand up once again.”