This is the dramatic moment an intense wildfire turned the sky into an eerie red haze in Chile.

Footage shows a crimson blanket stretching across the horizon as the flames continued to ravage the region on January 20.

The fires form part of a wider regional crisis that has burned more than 30,000 hectares and claimed at least 19 lives.

More than 50,000 residents were forced to evacuate as the flames destroyed homes, vehicles, and other buildings.

President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe on Sunday for central Biobio and neighbouring Nuble regions.

He said: 'Controlling fires of this magnitude, with unfavourable weather conditions like high temperature, wind, and a lack of humidity, is a tremendously difficult job.'

Firefighters from Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil have joined efforts to help contain the blaze.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.