Severe wildfires burned across central and southern Chile on January 18, 2026, as high temperatures and dry conditions caused fires to spread quickly, according to authorities. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, located south of the capital, Santiago. The decision was made to improve coordination between emergency services and the military. Officials said more than 8,500 hectares of forest and land were destroyed, while thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. Early reports suggested that hundreds of houses were damaged, with numbers expected to rise as inspections continued.

The declaration allowed faster support from national agencies as firefighters worked under difficult conditions. Strong winds and extreme heat reduced control over the flames, making firefighting efforts more dangerous. Local officials expressed concern about delays in assistance, especially in coastal towns where fires spread overnight. The government placed a nighttime restriction on movement to keep residents safe and allow emergency teams to work efficiently. Temporary shelters were prepared to provide shelter for families who lost their homes. Authorities warned that similar fires often occur during Chile’s summer season, especially during long periods of drought. Neighboring Argentina has also reported wildfire activity in recent weeks, showing that hot and dry weather continues to affect the region.