US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Wildfires in Chile Kill at Least 16 People, Force More than 50,000 to Evacuate
- On Jan. 18, 2026, President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe for the Nuble and Biobio regions as wildfires killed at least 16 people and forced more than 50,000 to evacuate.
- A severe summer heat wave and prolonged drought since December created conditions highly favorable to wildfire ignition, with dry foehn-type winds and 38 C daytime temperatures.
- Fire agencies said nearly 4,000 firefighters are battling about 24 active wildfires as blazes have scorched close to 8,500 hectares and destroyed at least 250 homes.
- Authorities mobilized the military to support civilian crews and move residents, with Senapred reporting over 1,000 people in temporary shelters and nearly 20,000 residents moved to safety.
- CONAF warned the current season could become among the most severe in recent years, following February 2024 Vina del Mar fires that killed 138 people and over 20,000 hectares burned nationwide.
Insights by Ground AI
178 Articles
178 Articles
Chile declares state of catastrophe as wildfires kill 16, force thousands to flee
Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced a state of catastrophe in two regions in the south of the country early on Sunday as raging wildfires forced at least 20,000 people to evacuate and left at least 16 people dead.
·Atlanta, United States
Read Full ArticleCoverage Details
Total News Sources178
Leaning Left26Leaning Right28Center33Last UpdatedBias Distribution38% Center
Bias Distribution
- 38% of the sources are Center
38% Center
L 30%
C 38%
R 32%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
