Chilean Wildfire Kills 18, Thousands Evacuated

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

SANTIAGO (Worthy News) – Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the country’s central and southern regions after raging wildfires killed at least 18 people, forced mass evacuations, and reportedly destroyed at least one church and hundreds of homes.

The emergency applies to the Biobío Region and neighboring Ñuble Region, about 500 kilometers (300 miles) south of Santiago. Officials said blazes have scorched thousands of acres of forest as the South American nation swelters under an intense heat wave.

The designation allows broader coordination with the military to battle more than two dozen active fires, which have already burned roughly 8,500 hectares (21,000 acres), according to Chile’s national forestry agency. Authorities warned the toll could rise as assessments continue.

Speaking from the hard-hit city of Concepción, Boric offered condolences to victims and said initial figures of 18 dead and 300 homes destroyed were likely to increase, estimating that affected homes in Biobío alone are “certainly more than a thousand.” About 50,000 people have been evacuated so far.

Local officials complained of delays in assistance as flames spread rapidly overnight, while firefighters struggled amid strong winds and temperatures topping 38 Celsius (100 Fahrenheit). Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde warned that weather conditions remained extreme and unfavorable.

CHAOTIC ESCAPES

Residents described chaotic escapes as fires engulfed neighborhoods, burning cars, a school, and a church, and forcing thousands into makeshift shelters.

Authorities imposed a nighttime curfew in affected areas as recovery and search efforts continued.

Wildfires routinely strike central and southern Chile during the austral summer, often peaking in February amid drought conditions.

In 2024, similar fires killed at least 130 people, the country’s deadliest natural disaster since the 2010 earthquake.

Neighboring Argentina has also been battling major wildfires in recent weeks, particularly in its southern Patagonia region, where hot and dry conditions have consumed thousands of acres of forest, authorities said.

QUESTIONS RAISED

While commentators have said it underscored the wider impact of “extreme weather” across South America, local officials have criticized the perceived slow government response.

In Chile, local officials expressed frustration about the speed and visibility of government support as fires spread.

Some complained that help arrived slowly even as destruction was widespread, highlighting challenges in coordination and response on the ground.

In Argentina Patagonia wildfires, the response by the administration of President Javier Milei has been strongly criticized by environmental groups and unions.

They argue that budget cuts to fire management services, limited aerial support and insufficient resources hampered prevention and firefighting efforts — a situation they say made the fires worse.

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