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Chile wildfires leave 19 dead amid extreme heat as scores evacuated
Chilean President Gabriel Boric mobilizes resources amid extreme heat and drought; wildfires have destroyed over 250 homes and forced nearly 20,000 evacuations, officials said.
- On January 18, 2026, Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions as fires destroyed much of Lirquén and parts of Penco, killing 18 in Biobío and one in Ñuble.
- Much of Chile was under extreme heat alerts as temperatures topped 38 C from Santiago to Biobío, with Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde warning of extreme temperatures and citing yearslong drought and strong winds.
- Authorities say the blazes have consumed 8,500 hectares, with at least 325 homes confirmed destroyed and damage assessments underway for over 1,100 homes, as of Sunday.
- Senapred reported nearly 20,000 evacuated and more than 630 sheltering in nine shelters, while President Gabriel Boric wrote `All resources are available` as military coordination expands.
- Since the beginning of the year, Chile and Argentina have experienced extreme heat, with south-central Chile facing 2024 fires that killed at least 130 people and Argentina hit by devastating Patagonia blazes earlier this month.
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Wildfires Push Chile Into Emergency Rule As Flames Reach Southern Cities
Key Points A state of catastrophe and a nighttime curfew expanded powers as fires neared Greater Concepción. Around 20,000 people were evacuated, with more than 20 fires burning and thousands of hectares lost. The crisis shows how wildfires can spill into housing, logistics, and public order. Chile’s government activated emergency powers in the south after […]
·Brazil
Read Full ArticleAt Least 18 Dead as Wildfires Rage Through Chile amid 'Extreme Temperatures'
At least 18 people have died and tens of thousands have been evacuated as wildfires raged through Chile. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of emergency in the country on Sunday, Jan. 18.
·United States
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Total News Sources355
Leaning Left54Leaning Right46Center61Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
38% Center
L 33%
C 38%
R 29%
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