Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Chile Declares Catastrophe as Wildfires Kill 18
A big fire called the Trinitarias wildfire is burning in Penco, Chile.
It has burned over 8,500 hectares and is very close to many homes and a gas plant.
More than 50,000 people had to leave their homes, and at least 18 people have died.
The fire is spreading quickly because of strong winds and a long drought.
Videos on social media show the fire looking very scary, with flames all over the hills near where people live.
The fire is mostly burning pine and eucalyptus trees, which make it spread even faster.
The president of Chile has declared a state of catastrophe to help fight the fires.
Local authorities have criticized the slow response from the national government, while the government is working to coordinate military and other agencies to control the wildfires.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Ñuble and Biobío due to raging wildfires.
At least 18 people have died, and 50,000 have been evacuated as fires consume nearly 8,500 hectares.
Strong winds and high temperatures are complicating firefighters' efforts to control the fires.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for multiple communities in the affected regions.
Both Chile and Argentina have experienced extreme temperatures and heat waves, leading to devastating wildfires.
- Who
- Residents of Ñuble and Biobío regions, Chile
- What
- Massive wildfires causing evacuations and fatalities
- When
- Sunday, January 18
- Where
- Ñuble and Biobío regions, Chile
- Why
- Strong winds, high temperatures, and a decade-long megadrought
Local Authorities
National Government
Response Time
Local Authorities
Local authorities, such as the mayor of Penco, have criticized the slow response from the national government, stating that there was no government presence for hours while their communities were burning.
National Government
The national government has declared a state of catastrophe to better coordinate with the military and other agencies to control the wildfires, indicating a structured response to the crisis.
- Location
- Ñuble and Biobío regions, Chile
- Area Burned
- 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres)
- Evacuated People
- 50,000
- Death Toll
- 18
- Destroyed Homes
- More than 1,000 in Biobío region alone
- Cause of Spread
- Strong winds and high temperatures
- Emergency Declaration
- State of catastrophe
Sources
Chile Wildfire: Penco in Flames as Fire Threatens Indura Gas Plant; Videos Show Apocalyptic Scenes | Watch
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