2026 Chilean wildfires
| 2026 Chile wildfires | |
|---|---|
| Part of the 2026 wildfire season | |
A Fire Information for Resource Management System image of how rapidly the Trinitarias Fire grew | |
| Date(s) | 16 January 2026 – present |
| Statistics | |
| Total fires | 75 |
| Burned area | 45,000 ha (110,000 acres) |
| Impacts | |
| Deaths | 21+ |
| Non-fatal injuries | 75+ |
| Evacuated | 50,600+ |
| Structures destroyed | c.800 |
| Ignition | |
| Cause | Under investigation |
On 16 January 2026, major wildfires began burning in the Biobío and Ñuble regions of Chile. They have burned over 45,000 hectares (110,000 acres) as of 21 January 2026. The wildfires have killed 21 people and forced over 50,000 to evacuate. A total of 75 fires were reported in the region, and 33 remain active as of 20 January 2026.
The towns of Lirquén and Penco, as well as some neighborhoods of Concepción, suffered severe damage as a result of the fire. 325 homes were destroyed, 300 in Biobío and 25 in Ñuble. Chilean president Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe in Biobío and Ñuble and promised government support.