Wildfire in Chile

Uncontrolled wildfires blazed through communities in southern Chile, becoming some of the deadliest and most destructive fires the country had experienced in years. A severe heatwave, strong winds, and dry vegetation accelerated the spread of the flames, allowing them to move rapidly across large areas.

Wind-driven firestorms swept through towns such as Penco and Lirquén, leaving residents with little time to escape. The Biobío and Ñuble regions, located approximately 500 kilometres south of Santiago, suffered the most severe damage. Thousands of acres of forest burned, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and entire neighbourhoods were reduced to ash.

Authorities reported at least 18–19 deaths, while more than 50,000 people were forced to flee their homes. Many residents escaped with only the clothes they were wearing. Officials warned that the death toll could rise as emergency crews gained access to remote and heavily affected areas.

Firefighters battled more than two dozen active fires, supported by military personnel deployed under the government's emergency declaration. Nearly 4,000 firefighters were mobilised, with international assistance expected to reinforce response efforts. More than 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) of land burned within just two days.

Extreme heat, powerful winds, and prolonged drought conditions intensified the crisis, prompting President Gabriel Boric to declare a nationwide state of catastrophe. The declaration enabled additional resources to be released and improved coordination of military and emergency response operations.