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Chile: At Least 15 Dead in Southern Wildfires

Published January 18, 2026, 17:15
Chile: At Least 15 Dead in Southern Wildfires

At least 15 people have lost their lives in the devastating wildfires raging in the Nuble and Biobio provinces of southern Chile. More than 50,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the rapid spread of the flames. Chilean President Gabriel Boric has declared the affected areas in a state of natural disaster. The fires broke out during the summer, with high temperatures and strong winds contributing to their spread. Firefighters are battling 24 active fronts across the country, with the largest outbreaks occurring in Nuble and Biobio.