18 Dead, 20,000 Evacuated as Wildfires Tear Through Southern Chile

Wildfires raging across southern Chile have killed at least 18 people, forced 20,000 evacuations and destroyed homes as authorities declared regional emergencies.

At least 18 people have been killed and around 20,000 others forced to evacuate as fast-spreading wildfires rage across southern Chile, government officials said on Sunday.

Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) reported firefighters were battling 24 active wildfires nationwide, with the most severe blazes burning in the Ñuble and Biobío regions.

President Gabriel Boric said a state of emergency had been declared in both regions due to the scale of destruction, allowing authorities to mobilise all available national resources.

Chile experiences recurrent wildfire seasons during its southern summer, but recent years have seen fires intensify due to prolonged droughts, rising temperatures, and climate-driven weather extremes.

Scientists warn that climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves across South America, creating ideal conditions for large-scale forest fires in Chile and neighbouring countries.

Authorities said the fires have already burned nearly 8,500 hectares of land, threatening multiple rural communities and placing enormous pressure on emergency and firefighting services.

Chile’s disaster management agency, Senapred, confirmed that at least 250 homes have been destroyed, while emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families.

The crisis comes as Chile and Argentina endure unusually high temperatures, following severe wildfires earlier this month in Argentine Patagonia, highlighting growing regional vulnerability.

Officials warned the situation remains volatile, urging residents to follow evacuation orders as firefighters race to contain blazes amid extreme heat and unpredictable winds.

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