Wildfires in Chile

Wildfires have been raging across Chile since February 2, 2023 caused by a mix of a summer heat wave, strong winds, climate change and a Pacific Ocean weather condition called La Nina. 

More than 1,000 homes have been affected or destroyed, Twenty-four people are confirmed to have died and the fires have spread across more than 294,000 hectares (1,100 square miles) several dozen of which have been classified as "red alert fires".

Chile's Interior Ministry reported so far, more than 889,000 acres of forests have been destroyed. According to official reports, Over 6,000 firefighters, many of them mainly volunteers have been trying to control more than 300 active fires, including 90 that are raging out of control.

Following a request for assistance from Chile, France, Portugal and Spain deployed more than 250 firefighters, coordination experts, and medical personnel to the most affected areas via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Related News and Resources

• NOAA Satellites Track Blazing Wildfires in Chile