Chile's government declared a state of catastrophe on Sunday in the southern regions of Nuble and Bio Bio after wildfires killed at least 16 people and forced nearly 20,000 residents to flee their homes. The fires, burning out of control, have destroyed more than 250 properties and scorched almost 33 square miles of land, with strong winds and record high temperatures making the fight harder for emergency teams.
Background
The wildfires broke out amid a heatwave gripping much of Chile, with temperatures climbing to 38C (100F) in areas from the capital Santiago down to Bio Bio. This extreme weather has hit both Chile and neighboring Argentina hard this year, following devastating fires in Argentina's Patagonia earlier in January. In Chile, much of the country sits under extreme heat alerts, creating dry conditions perfect for fires to spread fast.
Firefighters first reported 24 separate blazes on Sunday morning, with the most intense ones raging in Nuble and Bio Bio, about 500km south of Santiago. These regions, known for their forests and rural communities, have seen heavy damage. Past fires add to the worry: just two years ago, in February 2024, blazes near Vina del Mar killed 138 people and affected 16,000 others. Those events exposed weaknesses in response systems, leading to calls for better preparation.
Local leaders in affected areas like Penco and Lirquen, which together house around 60,000 people, ordered mass evacuations as flames reached city edges. Charred cars lined streets, and smoke blanketed neighborhoods, forcing families to leave everything behind.
Key Details
President Gabriel Boric announced the state of catastrophe in a post on X, unlocking all national resources for the response.
"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." – President Gabriel Boric
Security Minister Luis Cordero confirmed 15 deaths in Bio Bio and one in Nuble, bringing the toll to 16 as of Sunday evening. Evacuation numbers stand at nearly 20,000, with more expected as winds push flames toward populated zones.
Firefighting Efforts
Over 1,000 firefighters, backed by water-dropping planes and helicopters, are on the front lines. They contained a few smaller fires but struggle with the main ones due to gusty winds shifting directions unpredictably. Authorities reported 19 to 24 active blazes nationwide, 12 of them in the hardest-hit regions.
More than 250 homes and buildings lie in ruins, and the burned area covers roughly 33 square miles. Roads remain closed, cutting off access to some communities, while power outages affect thousands.
Human Impact
Families in Penco and Lirquen describe scenes of panic. One resident, Maria Lopez, watched from a safe distance as her neighborhood burned. She joined hundreds sheltering in local schools and gyms set up as emergency centers. Food and water supplies are arriving, but officials warn of shortages if the fires last longer.
Health teams treat dozens for smoke inhalation and burns. Children and the elderly face the biggest risks in temporary shelters. The government deployed extra police to guard empty homes from looters.
What This Means
The state of catastrophe gives President Boric broad powers to move troops, redirect funds, and coordinate aid without usual red tape. Military units are already helping with evacuations and supply runs. This step signals the government sees the fires as a major threat that could grow if weather does not change.
Rain is not forecast for days, and temperatures will stay high through Monday. If winds ease, firefighters might gain ground, but experts say full containment could take weeks. Farmers in Bio Bio report crop losses that will hit local food supplies and the economy.
Communities near Santiago watch closely, fearing sparks could jump north. The 2024 fires showed how quickly blazes can overwhelm one area and spread. Insurance claims will pile up, straining recovery efforts.
Tourism in southern Chile, a draw for its natural beauty, faces a blow. Trails and parks are closed, and visitors are urged to stay away. On the ground, volunteers join professionals, clearing debris and supporting neighbors.
Longer term, these fires highlight the growing risk from climate patterns. Hotter summers and drier lands make wildfires more common in south-central Chile. Officials plan reviews after the emergency to improve early warnings and forest management.
For now, focus stays on saving lives and homes. Crews work around the clock, hoping for a break in the weather to turn the tide.
