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Chile Declares Catastrophe as Wildfires Claim 19 Lives

1/20/2026

25 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe on January 18, 2026, as wildfires ravaged the Ñuble and Biobío regions, killing at least 19 and evacuating over 50,000.
Extreme heat and strong winds fueled the fires, destroying hundreds of homes.
Firefighters battle 24 blazes nationwide, most severe near Concepción.
Boric said all resources would be deployed and nighttime curfews were imposed.

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Story summary

Chilean President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe on January 18, 2026, as wildfires ravaged the Ñuble and Biobío regions, killing at least 19 and evacuating over 50,000.
Extreme heat and strong winds fueled the fires, destroying hundreds of homes.
Firefighters battle 24 blazes nationwide, most severe near Concepción.
Boric said all resources would be deployed and nighttime curfews were imposed.