LIVE: Deadly Chile fires trigger state of catastrophe and mass evacuations

0 January 19, 2026 09:10

On Sunday, January 18, President Gabriel Boric declared a "State of Catastrophe" for the Biobío and Ñuble regions (approximately 300 miles south of Santiago) as dozens of fast-moving fires continue to jump containment lines. As of Monday, January 19, 2026, authorities have confirmed at least 19 deaths, with warnings that the toll is certain to rise as emergency teams reach charred neighborhoods in the towns of Penco and Lirquén.

Over 50,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, many fleeing with nothing but the clothes on their backs. The Trinitarias Fire, the largest of the 33 active blazes, has already scorched over 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) and is currently threatening critical infrastructure, including a major gas plant.

Read more here: https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/37947411/chile-wildfires-20-k-evacuated-horror/

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#Chile, #Wildfires, #Biobio

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