Overview
- President Gabriel Boric activated a state of catastrophe for Ñuble and Biobío, enabling armed forces support and centralized logistics.
- Authorities reported evacuation figures ranging from nearly 20,000 to about 50,000 people, with most departures in Penco and Lirquén.
- Officials said at least 8,500 hectares have burned and more than 250 homes were destroyed; Boric cited an initial count near 300 and warned totals could rise.
- Fires threatened the Penco–Lirquén Hospital and an Indura gas facility, and local leaders criticized delays in visible federal assistance.
- CONAF is fighting roughly two dozen active blazes as temperatures near 38°C and strong winds hamper containment across central-southern Chile.