Chile: Wildfire - DREF Operational Update (MDRCL019)

Country: Chile Source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Please refer to the attached file. Description of the Event Date of event 18-01-2026 What happened, where and when? Since 18 January 2026, Chile has been facing a new wildfire emergency in the south-central part of the country, within the summer season that runs from November to March. This season is characterized by temperatures above 30°C, low relative humidity (10–20% in urbanforest interface areas), and winds exceeding 30 km/h — conditions that significantly increase the probability of ignition and rapid fire spread. On 17 January, at around 16:00 hours, multiple fire outbreaks started in the Ñuble and Biobío regions, several of which were classified as large-scale forest fires (IFM), rapidly affecting areas exceeding 200 hectares per event. During 18 and 19 January, the fires remained out of control due to adverse weather conditions and sudden changes in wind direction, including the local phenomenon known as "viento puelche," which caused rapid fire expansion towards populated areas in interface zones. By 23 January, the affected area exceeded 34,351 hectares, with more than 25 active outbreaks in different stages, constituting a highly dynamic and demanding scenario for response systems. Currently (March 2026), SENAPRED continues to coordinate the National Disaster Prevention and Response System, in close collaboration with CONAF, Bomberos de Chile, the Armed Forces, and regional authorities. At the most critical moments, regional and municipal Red Alerts were declared in Ñuble and Biobío, mobilizing extraordinary resources, preventive evacuations, and temporary shelters.

Original source: Relief Web