SANTIAGO — Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency in the central regions of Maule and Nuble and imposed a nighttime curfew in parts of the Araucania region as the country battles a worsening wildfire crisis.

The government confirmed on X that the curfew applies to 11 communes in Araucania, running from 10 p.m. Saturday (0100GMT Sunday) to 6 a.m. Sunday, as authorities work to contain the fires.

At least 15 active fire outbreaks have been reported, fueled by soaring temperatures and dry conditions.

Boric suggested that many of the fires in La Araucania were deliberately set, citing “well-founded reasons to believe” they were intentional.

He has instructed law enforcement agencies to investigate and identify those responsible.

The wildfire crisis comes just a year after devastating fires in the Valparaíso region, which killed at least 136 people and destroyed more than 6,600 homes.

The government is now mobilizing emergency resources to prevent another catastrophe. — Agencies