Sun Jan 18 16:29:07 UTC 2026: # Southern Chile Wildfires Claim Lives, Force Mass Evacuations

The Story:
Devastating wildfires are currently raging across southern Chile, specifically in the Nuble and Biobio regions, located approximately 500 kilometers (300 miles) south of Santiago. As of January 18, 2026, the blazes have tragically resulted in at least 15 fatalities and forced the evacuation of over 50,000 people. Fueled by strong winds and high temperatures characteristic of the southern hemisphere summer, the fires have prompted President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of emergency, mobilizing the armed forces to assist in the disaster response.

The situation is particularly dire in the Biobio cities of Penco and Lirquen, home to around 60,000 residents, where flames have been seen engulfing streets and destroying property. With nearly two dozen blazes burning across the country, Chilean authorities are struggling to contain the widespread devastation.

Key Points:

  • Wildfires are burning in the Nuble and Biobio regions of southern Chile.
  • At least 15 people have died, and over 50,000 have been evacuated.
  • President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of emergency.
  • The armed forces are being deployed to assist in the disaster response.
  • The cities of Penco and Lirquen (Biobio region) are particularly affected.
  • Similar wildfires occurred in February 2024 near Vina del Mar, resulting in 138 deaths.

Key Takeaways:

  • Chile is facing a significant and escalating wildfire crisis.
  • The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the severity of the situation.
  • The event highlights the increasing vulnerability of south-central Chile to wildfires.
  • Past events, such as the 2024 fires, indicate a pattern of destructive blazes in the region and the increasing impact of extreme weather conditions.
  • The scale of evacuations points to the immense challenges in protecting communities.

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