Overview
- President Gabriel Boric extended emergency powers to Ñuble and Biobío, enabling military support for evacuations and firefighting.
- Authorities reported at least 18 fatalities and roughly 300 houses destroyed, with the president warning counts could rise as assessments continue.
- Officials said more than 50,000 people have evacuated, though earlier figures from Senapred cited nearly 20,000 as tallies evolved.
- The most critical fronts are around Penco and Lirquén, where homes, the Penco–Lirquén Hospital and a nearby Indura gas facility faced heightened risk.
- CONAF counted about 8,500 hectares burned across the two regions as crews struggled against 38°C heat, strong winds, drought and highly flammable plantations.