Death toll rises as Chile fires spread in heat wave

Authorities in Chile extended an emergency declaration to yet another region on Saturday as firefighters struggled to control dozens of raging wildfires that have claimed at least 22 lives.The government declared a state of emergency in the La Araucanía region where a similar declaration had already been issued.

At least 22 people have died in connection to the fires and 554 have been injured, including 16 in serious condition. The fires erupted amid a scorching heat wave that has broken records.As of Saturday morning, there were 251 wildfires raging throughout Chile, 151 of which were under control. Chile has requested international cooperation to assist the firefighting efforts.