Wildfires Surge, Forcing Chile to Declare a State of Catastrophe
As fires sweep through Chile’s central regions, authorities issue a catastrophe order, citing dangerous winds, extreme temperatures, and escalating losses across towns.
Chile has declared a state of catastrophe in the Biobío and Ñuble regions as fast-moving wildfires, pushed by extreme heat and strong winds, drive evacuations and mounting losses. Authorities say the situation remains volatile near populated areas outside Concepción, with damage reports still changing hour by hour.
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Chile’s emergency decree gives the state wider powers to coordinate response, including military support, curfews in some areas, and faster logistics for shelters and supplies. Fire crews are battling more than 20 active blazes, while tens of thousands of residents have been moved out of danger zones. Weather conditions, including temperatures near 37–38°C, are worsening spread and limiting control lines.
BBC World also flagged the declaration in an X update as the death toll rose and evacuations expanded.
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Officials and responders point to a harsh mix: prolonged dry conditions, heatwave-level temperatures, and gusty winds that turn small ignitions into urban threats. Chile has seen deadly fire seasons before, and the current surge is again hitting towns built close to forest fuel loads.
