Chile forest fires, at least 51 dead - official

At least 51 people were killed by forest fires in Chile's Valparaíso region, local authorities have said.

President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency and said he would make "all necessary resources" available to tackle the situation.

It is believed to be Chile's deadliest forest fire on record. Many of those affected were visiting the coastal region during the summer holidays.

A health alert was put in place in Valparaíso by the health ministry.

Authorities imposed a curfew beginning at 9:00 pm Saturday (0000 GMT Sunday), 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.