Severe wildfires affecting Chile’s Ñuble and Biobío regions have killed at least 16 people and burned more than 20 000 ha (49 420 acres) as of January 18, 2026, forcing over 20 000 to evacuate.
Widespread wildfires have been burning across central and southern Chile since early December 2025, affecting seven regions and destroying at least 3 839 ha (9 480 acres) of land. As of January 15, 2026, two people have died, 10 were injured, and more than 2 100 are displaced, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
