Overview
- Authorities reported 16 deaths and more than 50,000 evacuations in Ñuble and Biobío, with about 14 active fronts and roughly 3,700 firefighters battling the blazes.
- Following the overnight declaration, the military assumed control in the affected regions and officials said a nighttime curfew is being prepared.
- Emergency services issued 87 mobile alerts as evacuations expanded, including from the hospital in Lirquén, while Penco and Lirquén suffered extensive damage.
- Officials warned that high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds are accelerating fire spread and hindering aerial operations, with heavy smoke limiting aircraft access.
- Separately in Argentina’s Chubut, fires have burned more than 25,000 hectares and threatened Los Alerces National Park, as critics cite funding cuts and authorities investigate indications of intentional ignition.