Overview
- Authorities reported at least 20 fatalities as fast-moving fires swept south-central Chile.
- An estimated 35,000 hectares have burned, with tens of thousands of residents evacuated from threatened areas.
- About 1,000 homes were destroyed or damaged in Penco and Lirquén, while ONEMI counted nearly 600 homes destroyed overall.
- Nearly 4,000 personnel from Conaf, local brigades and the armed forces fought 21 active fires as cooler, misty conditions slowed advancement.
- The government declared emergency measures and announced aid, investigations into possible arson continue, and police reported an attempted arson arrest in Penco.