Chile Forest Fire 2026: 18 Deaths Confirmed as 50,000 Flee the Flames
Chile forest fires in Biobio and Nuble regions have left 18 dead and forced 50,000 to evacuate as of Jan 18, 2026. President Boric has declared a state of emergency.
At least 18 people are dead as two dozen active forest fires tear across southern Chile. According to Reuters, the inferno has forced more than 50,000 residents to abandon their homes in a desperate bid for safety as of January 18, 2026.
Chile Forest Fire 2026 Deaths Rise Amid State of Emergency
President Gabriel Boric confirmed the rising death toll on Sunday, warning that the number of deaths will almost certainly increase. He's declared a state of emergency in the hardest-hit regions of Biobio and Nuble, roughly 500km south of Santiago. A nighttime curfew is now in effect to streamline emergency operations and prevent looting.
Extreme Heat Threatens Firefighting Efforts
Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde stated that firefighting teams face a "complicated situation" due to forecasted extreme temperatures. This disaster mirrors the tragic events of February 2024, when simultaneous fires killed more than 130 people. The government has mobilized the armed forces to assist in mass evacuations, particularly in the cities of Penco and Lirquen.
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