"Gabriel Boric, President of Chile, confirmed the death of 19 people as a result of the fires in the Biobio and Nuble regions, and warned that the number of deaths could reach a thousand, in Santiago on Monday. "Unfortunately, we have certainty that 19 compatriots have lost their lives and there are hundreds of destroyed homes," the president said during a press conference with president-elect Jose Antonio Kast. "Most likely we will have more than a thousand" deaths as a result of the disaster, Boric added. He offered his condolences to the families who have lost a loved one and said that 'national mourning' will be decreed in their honour once the total number of victims is confirmed. According to Boric, more than 25,000 hectares (61,776 acres) have been affected in Biobio and 5,900 hectares (14,579 acres) in Nuble. 19 shelters have been set up to assist more than 600 people. Currently, 43 aircraft are fighting the fires. Gabriel Boric went on to thank the governments of Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Uruguay for having "expressed their willingness to collaborate." The president said he expected help such as firefighters, aircraft, supplies, and work tools. He also expressed confidence that the country will move forward with the available resources. "Chile is a country of solidarity, that knows how to rise in the face of catastrophes and tragedies." For his part, president-elect Jose Antonio Kast expressed his support for Boric's statements and called on citizens to follow the president's instructions. In response to the emergency caused by the fires, Chile's authorities declared a curfew in the Biobio region. 25 forest fires have yet to be fully extinguished according to the president."