Chile: Wild Fires - Dec 2025

Since 1 January, several wildfires have been affecting central Chile, resulting in fatalities and destruction. The most affected regions are La Araucanía, Biobío, Maule, Metropolitana and Ñuble. From 1 to 19 January, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), counts 793 fires that have already burnt more than 49 922 hectares. As of 19 January, 25 fires are actively being fought, 35 have been brought under control, eight remain under observation, and three have been extinguished. As of 19 January, media report at least 18 fatalities, 19 injuries, and more than 50 000 people evacuated in the Ñuble and Biobío regions. About 250 houses have been destroyed. On 18 January, the government of Chile declared a state of catastrophe for Ñuble and Biobío. (ECHO, 19 Jan 2026)

Since 1 January, a series of wildfires have been raging across central Chile, causing an escalating death toll and widespread destruction. The most affected regions are La Araucanía, Biobío, Maule, Metropolitana, and Ñuble. Between 1 and 21 January, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) recorded 17 active fires, and the total area burned surpassed 61 000 hectares. As of 20 January, national authorities reported at least 20 fatalities, more than 7 000 people affected, and 590 homes destroyed. According to the JRC Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), fire-danger levels are forecast to range from high to very extreme across the Biobío, Ñuble, La Araucanía, Maule, and Metropolitana regions. On 20 January, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was activated at the request of the Chilean authorities. The request concerns the deployment of a Fire Assistance Support Team (FAST), including aerial coordinators, analysts, and planning professionals, to strengthen coordination and strategic planning capacities. On 21 January, the Copernicus EMS was activated in rapid mapping mode (EMSR859). (ECHO, 21 Jan 2025)