Fires consume area the size of Philadelphia amid extreme temperatures; residents describe fleeing “like lightning” as blazes merge into “uncontrollable monster.”
CHILE – A state of catastrophe has been declared in central and southern Chile after devastating wildfires, supercharged by a historic heatwave, killed at least 19 people and forced mass evacuations, authorities announced Monday.
The fires, which have burned over 35,000 hectares—an area comparable to Philadelphia—are being fought by hundreds of firefighters across 34 active fronts. The most severe destruction is concentrated in the Ñuble and Bio Bio regions, where entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash.
A Crisis Accelerated by Extreme Heat
Security Minister Luis Cordero warned that the crisis is far from over, with temperatures forecast to reach 37°C (99°F) in affected zones. “The projection we have today is of high temperatures,” Cordero stated, expressing concern that new blazes could ignite. While milder overnight conditions provided some respite, the largest fires remain uncontrolled.
The disaster follows a prolonged heatwave across southern South America, with neighboring Argentina’s Patagonia region battling major fires earlier this month. Miguel Castillo, a professor at the University of Chile’s Forest Fire Laboratory, explained the unprecedented conditions: “There have been several consecutive days over 30 degrees Celsius, and for the Concepción area, that’s rare.”
He described the fires as an “uncontrollable monster,” fueled by dry vegetation, shifting winds, and persistent heat.
Human Toll and Heartbreak on the Ground
The coastal city of Penco, near Concepción, accounts for most of the fatalities. In the town of Lirquen, residents like Ana Caamano returned to sift through the ruins of their homes.
“They’re not that important,” Caamano said, holding charred rings recovered from the ashes of her family home. “But they’re memories.” Her son, Franco, described the terror of escape: “It came like lightning; it was so quick,” he said, recalling a “black cloud of smoke” that forced him to flee with nothing.
Official reports confirm at least 325 homes have been destroyed, with damage assessments ongoing for over 1,100 more properties. The largest single fire has scorched more than 14,000 hectares on the outskirts of Concepción.
Regional Climate Emergency
The blazes underscore a broader climate pattern affecting the continent. Chile and Argentina have experienced record-breaking temperatures since the new year, creating tinderbox conditions across forested and rural areas.
President Gabriel Boric’s catastrophe declaration mobilizes military and national resources to support firefighting, evacuation, and emergency relief efforts as thousands of displaced citizens seek shelter.
