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Chile Declares State of Catastrophe as Wildfires Kill 16 and Force Mass Evacuations

Boric's order places Ñuble and Biobío under military control during extreme fire weather.

Overview

  • Authorities confirm at least 16 deaths and more than 50,000 evacuations, with active fronts threatening Penco, Lirquén and the greater Concepción area.
  • Senapred warns of extreme heat, low humidity and strong winds through Monday, hampering both aerial and ground firefighting.
  • The government is moving to impose a curfew and has issued more than 80 emergency alerts, while a hospital in Lirquén was evacuated as flames advanced.
  • Local officials report widespread home losses, strained shelters and complaints of looting as firefighters and military units reinforce the region.
  • In Argentina’s Chubut province, large Patagonia fires continue to endanger Los Alerces National Park, renewing criticism over cuts to national fire‑management funding.