VINA DEL MAR - Wildfires blazing across Chile have killed at least 51 people, leaving bodies in the street and homes gutted, with flames continuing to spread on Sunday and the toll expected to rise.
President Gabriel Boric has decreed a state of emergency in the central and southern parts of the country "due to catastrophe," as dry conditions and temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius exacerbated the crisis.
Dense gray smoke blanketed the city of Vina del Mar of the Valparaiso tourist region, along central Chile's coastline, forcing residents to flee.
The death toll rose to 51 on Saturday as firefighters battled to control the flames. The forensic medical service had previously reported 45 deaths, but "there are six more people who died in health care facilities," according to interior under-secretary Manuel Monsalve.
Boric said the number of victims would increase, pledging government support to help people get back on their feet.
Authorities imposed a curfew beginning at 9pm Saturday to allow emergency supplies -- especially fuel -- into the affected areas.
New evacuation orders were issued, though it remained unclear exactly how many people had been told to leave.
Earlier Saturday, Interior Minister Carolina Toha said there had been 92 fires as of noon, with 43,000 hectares burned across the country.
Firefighters were still battling 29 of the blazes by the afternoon, while 40 had been brought under control.