Chile is facing a severe wildfire crisis. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. These fires have already killed at least 16 people. Around 20,000 residents were evacuated from cities including Penco and Lirquen, near Concepción. About 250 homes were destroyed as dry forests burned fiercely. Local officials say a total of 24 fires are raging across the country, with Ñuble and Biobío hardest hit. Boric posted on X, "In light of the serious ongoing wildfires, I have decided to declare a state of catastrophe in the two regions. All resources are available." The wildfires have damaged 20,000 hectares of land so far. Strong winds and summer heat, reaching up to 38°C, are making firefighting difficult. This disaster follows years of severe fires worsened by long drought. Two years ago, similar fires killed over 120 people in the Valparaíso region near Santiago.