chile Wildfires Claim Lives, Force Mass Evacuations
Valparaíso, Chile – Wildfires raging across central Chile have left at least 18 people dead and forced the evacuation of over 50,000 residents, authorities reported Saturday. The Chilean government activated emergency measures in response to the rapidly escalating crisis.
The hardest-hit areas are in the Valparaíso region, a coastal area known for its steep hills and densely populated neighborhoods. Strong winds and a prolonged heatwave fueled the blazes, quickly overwhelming firefighting resources. Manny homes have been entirely destroyed.
President Gabriel boric declared a state of emergency and mobilized all available resources, including the military, to assist with firefighting and evacuation efforts. He also announced financial aid for those affected by the disaster. “We are facing a very tough situation,” Boric stated in a national address. “The priority is to save lives.”
Firefighters are battling multiple fires simultaneously, hampered by difficult terrain and limited visibility. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires, but preliminary reports suggest that some may have been started intentionally.
Neighboring countries have offered assistance, and international aid organizations are preparing to provide support. the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but officials warn that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue.
(Reporting as of January 19, 2026, 10:53:34 AM PST)
