Wildfires across central and southern Chile intensified on January 18, 2026, burning vast forest areas and destroying residential zones as extreme heat continued to strain emergency response systems, according to national authorities. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, approximately 500 kilometers south of Santiago, enabling expanded coordination with security forces. Officials reported that more than two dozen active fires had burned over 8,500 hectares, displacing tens of thousands of residents. Analysts described the situation as acute, noting that rising temperatures and dry terrain created conditions that accelerated fire spread beyond initial projections.

Government briefings emphasized that early damage figures were likely incomplete, as access to affected zones remained limited. Boric acknowledged public frustration over response delays and stressed that containment efforts remained the central priority. Local leaders said evacuation orders were issued under rapidly changing circumstances, contributing to logistical difficulties. Fire crews faced compounding challenges as strong winds undermined aerial suppression, while prolonged drought weakened natural firebreaks. Emergency officials imposed curfews to reduce civilian movement and support rescue operations, calling the measure a preventive step amid ongoing assessments. Climate specialists warned that seasonal patterns had become increasingly volatile, raising concerns about long-term preparedness as similar disasters intensify across South America during peak summer months.