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Chile and Argentina Wildfires: Climate Change Fuels Destruction

2/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Severe wildfires in Chile and Argentina since early January 2026 have killed at least 23 people in Chile and destroyed ancient forests in Argentina's Los Alerces National Park.
World Weather Attribution (WWA) researchers found climate change has made such extreme fire conditions nearly three times more likely.
More than 64,000 hectares have burned in Chile, displacing thousands and destroying homes.
Budget cuts by President Javier Milei (Argentina) worsened fire conditions.

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Story summary

Severe wildfires in Chile and Argentina since early January 2026 have killed at least 23 people in Chile and destroyed ancient forests in Argentina's Los Alerces National Park.
World Weather Attribution (WWA) researchers found climate change has made such extreme fire conditions nearly three times more likely.
More than 64,000 hectares have burned in Chile, displacing thousands and destroying homes.
Budget cuts by President Javier Milei (Argentina) worsened fire conditions.