Jan 18, 2026, 3:37 p.mJanuary 18, 2026, 4:15 p.m
Severe forest fires in central Chile have killed over a dozen people. At least 14 deaths were registered in the town of Penco, mayor Rodrigo Vera said on the radio station Bío Bío, citing the police. The Interior Ministry had previously spoken of two deaths. At least one of these deaths was recorded elsewhere.
Around 50,000 residents of the Biobío and Ñuble regions have been called upon to seek safety, said Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde. Hundreds of firefighters and soldiers fought a total of 24 fires.
Government declares disaster
The government declared a disaster for the affected regions. So far, over 250 houses have been destroyed by the fires. According to the forestry administration, almost 100 square kilometers were affected by the fires.
In summer in the southern hemisphere, serious forest fires occur again and again in Chile. Last year, over 100 people died and around 15,000 houses were destroyed or damaged. (sda/dpa)