Chilean President Gabriel Boric confirmed on January 19, 2026, that wildfires tearing through the country's south-central regions have killed at least 18 people, with fears the toll will rise significantly. Over 24,000 hectares of land have been burned nationwide, according to the National Forestry Corporation, as 14 active fires rage under red alert conditions.
Speaking from Concepcion in the Biobio region, Boric warned that preliminary estimates of 300 destroyed homes could exceed 1,000 as crews assess damage. Curfews remain in effect across multiple municipalities, including Lirquen, where fires have devastated 80% of the area.
Emergency Measures Activated
The government has declared a state of catastrophe in Nuble and Biobio to mobilize resources, with the largest fire near Concepcion consuming 10,600 hectares. International aid offers are being coordinated as regional temperatures remain high and winds unpredictable.
