State of catastrophe declared in Ñuble & Bío Bío as flames destroy 250+ homes
Raging wildfires in Chile’s southern regions of Ñuble and Bío Bío have killed at least 18 people and forced 20,000 residents to evacuate. The fires, fueled by extreme heat and strong winds, have destroyed over 250 homes and consumed nearly 8,500 hectares. Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe, mobilizing all available resources to combat the 24 active fires. Firefighters continue to battle challenging conditions, while authorities warn that high temperatures, reaching up to 38°C, could worsen the crisis.
The wildfires highlight the growing threat of climate-driven disasters in South America, following recent heatwaves and fires in Argentina’s Patagonia. Emergency teams, local authorities, and national disaster agencies remain on high alert as they work to contain the blazes and protect communities.
