Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Chile Wildfires Kill 19 Amid Extreme Heat
There are big fires in Chile that have killed 19 people.
The fires are very large and have destroyed many homes.
The weather is very hot, which makes the fires worse.
The government is helping people leave the dangerous areas.
There are also fires in Argentina because of the heat.
Everyone is working hard to put out the fires and keep people safe.
Some people think the fires are getting worse because of climate change, while others think it's just because of the weather.
Wildfires in Chile have killed at least 19 people as of January 19, 2024.
The fires have destroyed over 20,000 hectares, with the largest fire covering 14,000 hectares near Concepcion.
President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the regions of Ñuble and Bío Bío, and new fires have broken out in the Araucania region.
Extreme heat warnings are in place, with temperatures expected to reach up to 37°C (99°F).
Authorities are battling 23 active fires across the country, with adverse conditions expected to continue.
- Who
- Authorities, firefighters, and soldiers in Chile
- What
- Wildfires and extreme heat
- When
- January 19, 2024
- Where
- Central and southern Chile, particularly Ñuble, Bío Bío, and Araucania regions
- Why
- Intense heat and high winds exacerbated the wildfires
Climate Change Impact
Natural Variability
Cause of Wildfires
Climate Change Impact
Climate change has contributed to the extreme fire seasons in south-central Chile by causing long-term drying and warming trends.
Natural Variability
The wildfires are primarily due to natural variability in weather patterns, including extreme heat and strong winds.
- Death Toll
- 19
- Fires Active
- 23
- Affected Regions
- Ñuble, Bío Bío, Araucania
- Area Burned
- 20,000 hectares
- Largest Fire
- 14,000 hectares
- Temperature Warning
- Up to 37°C (99°F)
- Homes Destroyed or Damaged
- 1,000
- Firefighters Deployed
- 3,500
