Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a "state of catastrophe" in two central-southern regions as raging wildfires have claimed at least 16 lives and forced nearly 20,000 people to abandon their homes.
Regions Engulfed by Flames
The emergency was declared on Sunday, 18 January 2026, for the regions of Nuble and Bio Bio, located roughly 500km (310 miles) south of the capital, Santiago. Firefighters were battling 24 separate blazes across the country, with the most severe concentrated in these areas.
Authorities confirmed that the fires have already consumed an area of almost 33 square miles, devastating multiple communities. Chilean security minister Luis Cordero stated that 15 deaths were confirmed in Bio Bio, following a separate fatality reported in Nuble on Saturday.
Mass Evacuation and Widespread Destruction
The scale of the disaster has triggered a massive evacuation effort. Official reports indicate that nearly 20,000 residents have fled to safety, with more than 250 properties completely destroyed by the advancing flames.
In a post on social media platform X, President Boric emphasised the gravity of the situation, stating, "In light of the serious ongoing wildfires, I have decided to declare a state of catastrophe in the regions of Nuble and Bio Bío. All resources are available."
Extreme Weather Fuelling the Crisis
Emergency services are facing a formidable challenge due to adverse weather conditions. Authorities report that strong winds and unusually high temperatures are significantly worsening the firefighting efforts.
Much of Chile is under extreme heat alerts, with temperatures expected to soar to 38C (100F) from Santiago to Bio Bio on Sunday and Monday. This event continues a pattern of extreme weather in the region since the start of the year, following devastating wildfires in Argentina's Patagonia earlier in January.
