EuroWire, CONCEPCION: Wildfires driven by extreme heat and strong winds swept across Chile’s Biobio and Nuble regions, killing at least 19 people and forcing large-scale evacuations as firefighters struggled to contain fast-moving blazes near populated areas, authorities said on Monday. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the two regions, granting expanded emergency powers to accelerate coordination, mobilize resources, and deploy military support for logistics and security.
The fires advanced rapidly through coastal and inland zones near Concepcion, damaging or destroying hundreds of homes in communities including Penco and Lirquen. Residents fled as flames crossed roads and entered residential neighborhoods, while emergency services set up shelters for displaced families. Authorities said damage assessments were ongoing and warned that access to some areas remained limited due to smoke, heat and unstable conditions.
Chile’s National Forestry Corporation reported nearly two dozen active wildfires nationwide, with several considered high risk because of their proximity to towns and infrastructure. Officials said more than 20,000 hectares have burned so far, including large tracts in Biobio, as crews worked around the clock using ground teams and aircraft when weather conditions allowed.
State of catastrophe expands emergency response
Under the state of catastrophe declaration, the central government placed disaster response agencies under heightened coordination in Biobio and Nuble. The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response said tens of thousands of residents were evacuated at the peak of the crisis, with new alerts issued as fire fronts shifted. Military personnel were authorized to assist with transport, road control and the delivery of supplies to evacuation centers.
Authorities imposed curfews in several affected communes, including Penco, Lirquen, Nacimiento and Laja, to support emergency operations and reduce risks to civilians. Officials said the restrictions were designed to keep evacuation routes clear, prevent unauthorized access to damaged areas and limit exposure to smoke, falling debris and rapidly changing fire behavior.
The confirmed fatalities were found in homes, vehicles and open areas, according to officials, as investigators worked to verify identities and circumstances. Hospitals in the region treated patients for burns and smoke inhalation, while emergency teams continued search operations in locations where communications and power were disrupted during the most intense periods of fire activity.
Regional summer fires intensify under heat
Chile’s wildfire season typically peaks during the southern summer, and authorities said the current emergency was intensified by a prolonged heatwave and strong winds. Officials urged residents to follow evacuation orders, avoid outdoor burning and remain alert as conditions remained volatile, warning that additional evacuations could be ordered with little notice as firefighting efforts continued.