Chilean wildfires destroy hundreds of homes, endanger world's smallest deer

A wildfire burns areas in Nacimiento, Chile, February 7, 2023. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado

CHILLAN, Chile (Reuters) -Forest fires across south-central Chile that have left 24 people dead and swallowed up hundreds of houses spread into new areas on Wednesday after raging overnight, burning up the habitats of vulnerable woodland animals.

"We call on everyone who can to take care of the forests which are currently on fire, and also of our animals, specimens of vital importance," said Valentina Aravena, the manager at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Chillan.