Chile has declared a state of catastrophe in two southern regions as fast-moving wildfires continue to claim lives and destroy communities, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.
President Gabriel Boric announced the emergency measure for the Ñuble and Biobío regions, where at least 16 people have been confirmed dead and more than 20,000 residents have been evacuated. The decision allows authorities to mobilise additional resources and deploy emergency services more rapidly.
The most severe blaze has swept through forested areas near the coastal city of Concepción, damaging or destroying around 250 homes. Images shared by local media show burned vehicles, collapsed structures and entire neighbourhoods reduced to ashes.
Chile’s national forestry agency, Conaf, said firefighters were battling at least 24 active fires across the country on Sunday. Officials described the situation in Ñuble and Biobío as especially dangerous due to dry vegetation, strong winds and high temperatures.
President Boric said the government was making all necessary resources available to protect lives and contain the fires. He added that emergency teams were working around the clock to prevent further spread as conditions remain volatile.
Authorities estimate that more than 20,000 hectares of land have already burned in the two hardest-hit regions. Large-scale evacuations have taken place in cities such as Penco and Lirquén, located just north of Concepción, where residents were forced to flee with little warning.
Firefighters have faced significant challenges as gusty winds and dry conditions continue to fuel the flames. Temperatures across much of central and southern Chile are expected to reach up to 38°C in the coming days, increasing the risk of further outbreaks.
Chile has endured a growing number of severe wildfires in recent years, a trend experts link to prolonged drought and rising temperatures. In 2023, fires in the Valparaíso region killed more than 120 people, marking one of the deadliest fire seasons in the country’s history.
Emergency crews remain on high alert as authorities warn that the situation could worsen before weather conditions improve.