At least 99 dead as authorities struggle to contain forest fires in Chile

People told to evacuate homes as quickly possible and curfews declared in most heavily affected cities

Firefighters are wrestling with huge forest fires that broke out in central Chile on Friday. Officials have extended curfews in cities most heavily affected by the blazes and said at least 99 people were killed.

The fires have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Vina del Mar, where a botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames. At least 1,600 people have been left without homes.