via smh.com.au
Chilean authorities have detained 10 people accused of causing deadly bushfires, a government official said.
The blazes, fanned by severe heat and dry winds, have led to 24 deaths and more than 1000 injuries, and those who started them potentially face harsh consequences, Interior Ministry Undersecretary Manuel Monsalve, said at a press conference on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
Spain sent 50 members of its Military Emergency Unit to help control the blazes, according to a tweet from Chile’s government. Colombian President Gustavo Petro said he would send a plane with experts and materials.
Speaking from the city of Puren in Araucania, Boric stressed that his government would provide all necessary resources, while he also sought to inspire solidarity in the face of the deadly fires.
“I’ve seen the resiliency of our people, and it’s exactly that spirit that has to guide us during this difficult time,” he said. “All together, we’ll come out of this ahead.”
The fires are the latest example of extreme weather fuelled by climate change, with temperatures in parts of Chile reaching record highs in recent days.
“The climate crisis is burning Chile,” Petro said in a tweet.