At least 19 people have died in the Chilean resort of Viña del Mar as fires ravaged the western region of Valparaiso and other parts of the center and south of the country, Interior Minister Carolina Toja said on Saturday, AFP and Agerpres reported. .

“There are 19 dead (…) All bodies have been found,” the minister said, adding that 15 victims have been identified.

There were 19 deaths in one sector of the seaside resort, and the minister warned that the death toll could rise.

According to her, the death toll is “preliminary” as rescue teams have not yet been able to gain access to other areas affected by the fire.

The minister reported on 92 active fires, of which 40 have been extinguished, 43,000 hectares have burned.

“Fires in the Valparaiso region are a priority because of their proximity to urban areas. There are several, but two are the most worrying,” she said, adding that they are Las Tablas, where 6,800 hectares have been burned, and Lo Moscoso in Quilpue, where 1,150 hectares have been burned.

These areas, located between 80 and 120 km northwest of Santiago, are rich in viticultural, agricultural and forestry companies. Due to the proximity to the beaches of the Pacific Ocean, they experience a significant influx of tourists during this period of the southern summer.

At least 14 ships and five helicopters were involved in extinguishing the fire.