Chile Declares State of Catastrophe as Wildfires Kill 18 and Force Mass Evacuations

Wildfires fueled by extreme heat and strong winds have devastated central and southern Chile, primarily in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, killing at least 18 people and forcing over 50,000 evacuations. President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe, enabling military support and resource mobilization. The fires have consumed around 8,500 hectares, destroyed hundreds of homes, and challenged firefighting efforts amid ongoing heatwaves affecting Chile and neighboring Argentina. Local officials have expressed concerns over delayed government response.