Wildfires have caused extensive damage in central and southern Chile, resulting in the loss of at least 18 lives, the destruction of hundreds of homes, and the burning of thousands of acres of forest. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobio and Ñuble regions, enabling the suspension of constitutional rights and closer coordination with the military to combat the over two dozen active wildfires that have ravaged 8,500 hectares of land.
During a press conference in Concepcion, President Boric expressed condolences to the victims and acknowledged that the current death toll of 18 and 300 destroyed houses are likely to increase as assessments continue. He highlighted that more than 1,000 homes in the Biobio region alone have been affected by the wildfires.
President Boric emphasized the importance of addressing the human tragedies alongside firefighting efforts, acknowledging the hardships faced by affected families. Local authorities have raised concerns over delays in government response, with some areas experiencing widespread destruction before adequate assistance arrived.
Firefighters have been struggling to contain the flames amid high temperatures exceeding 38°C and strong winds. Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde warned of ongoing extreme weather conditions, exacerbating the firefighting challenges. Residents recounted being caught off guard by the fires, with many choosing to stay in their homes, unaware of the imminent danger.
The wildfires in Chile are a recurring issue during the summer months, with February typically marking a peak in fire activity due to soaring temperatures and prolonged drought conditions. In neighboring Argentina, similar challenges are being faced as wildfires continue to spread in the Patagonia region amid hot and dry weather conditions.