19.01.2026 07:11
In Chile, a state of emergency has been declared as wildfires continue in the southern regions of Nuble and Biobio, destroying 300 homes completely. While the death toll is expected to rise in the fires that have reduced 18,000 hectares to ashes, Chilean President Gabriel Boric stated, "There are families suffering here, humanitarian tragedies are occurring, and we must stand by their side."
Since January 17, 18 people have lost their lives in the forest fires that have been affecting southern Chile.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric announced that a state of disaster has been declared due to the ongoing forest fires in the southern regions of Nuble and Biobio.
"WE ARE SURE THE DEATH TOLL WILL RISE"
Boric stated that the government is mobilizing all its resources, saying, "There are currently 18 confirmed deaths, but unfortunately, we are sure that this number will rise. We are going through difficult times, especially in Penco and some areas of Tome where the situation is critical."
"HUMAN TRAGEDIES ARE OCCURRING"
Boric noted that due to adverse weather conditions, it seems difficult to extinguish the fires quickly, stating, "As you know, in such emergencies, the first priority is always to fight the fire and extinguish it. However, we must never forget that there are families suffering here, human tragedies are occurring, and we must stand by them."
300 HOUSES TURNED TO ASHES
Boric emphasized that so far 300 houses have turned to ashes in the Biobio region, stating that teams are making every effort to support the victims and prevent the spread of the fire.
18 THOUSAND HECTARES TURNED TO ASHES
According to local media, the ongoing fires at many different points have so far led to 18 thousand hectares of land turning to ashes.
THE COUNTRY CANNOT ESCAPE THE NIGHTMARE
The biggest tragedy related to forest fires in Chile occurred in February 2024 in the Valparaiso region, where 136 people lost their lives due to the disaster caused by the flames.