At least 18 people have died and thousands have been forced to evacuate as wildfires raged across central and southern Chile, exacerbated by an ongoing heat wave. The fires, which have consumed approximately 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres) of land, prompted Chilean President Gabriel Boric to declare a state of catastrophe in the affected regions, particularly in Biobío and Ñuble, on January 18, 2024.
Firefighters have faced significant challenges due to soaring temperatures, which peaked at over 38°C (100°F), coupled with strong winds that hindered their efforts. Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde warned that adverse weather conditions were expected to continue, posing further threats to both firefighting efforts and communities in harm’s way. “Weather conditions for the coming hours are not good and indicate extreme temperatures,” he stated.
The wildfires have devastated local communities, with more than 300 homes destroyed and the total number of affected residences expected to exceed 1,000. In a press conference held amidst the crisis, President Boric acknowledged the growing destruction and the human tragedies unfolding. “The first priority in these emergencies is always to fight and extinguish the fire. But we cannot forget, at any time, that there are human tragedies here, families who are suffering,” he said.
As local authorities struggled to manage the situation, residents reported that many were caught off guard by the rapid onset of the fires. In the coastal town of Penco, Mayor Rodrigo Vera expressed frustration over the lack of immediate government response. “Dear President Boric, from the bottom of my heart, I have been here for four hours, a community is burning and there is no (government) presence,” Vera lamented.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with many unable to evacuate in time. “Many people didn’t evacuate. They stayed in their houses because they thought the fire would stop at the edge of the forest,” said John Guzmán, a resident of Penco. Others described fleeing in darkness while the flames consumed their surroundings. “We fled running, with the kids, in the dark,” recounted Juan Lagos, also from Penco.
The wildfires have left a trail of destruction, with reports of charred bodies discovered in fields, homes, and vehicles. “From what we can see, there are people who died … and we knew them well,” said Víctor Burboa, highlighting the deep impact of the tragedy on the community.
Wildfires are a recurring issue in central and southern Chile, typically reaching their peak in February. In a devastating incident in 2024, wildfires along Chile’s central coastline resulted in the deaths of at least 130 people, marking the country’s deadliest natural disaster since the earthquake in 2010. With the current situation still evolving, the focus remains on firefighting efforts and providing assistance to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
