Chilean authorities warned of a “very complex” situation as a new heat wave in the country’s south-central region threatened to further fan the flames of dangerous forest fires that have already left 24 dead.

Over 293,000 hectares have been ravaged by fires this season, and forecasts for higher temperatures stretching from Santiago to the southern regions that have been the focal point of the flames have raised concerns about the 82 active fires.

High temperatures are forecast through Friday and could rise above 35 degrees Celsius in the central Mauley Ñuble regions.

Aljazeera.