Name: 18 dead, 50,000 evacuated in Chile forest fires, catastrophe declared
Uploaded: 2026-01-19T12:24:03+08:00
Duration: PT42.067S
Description: At least 18 people have died in devastating forest fires that have swept through south-central Chile, reaching homes and vehicles. In response, President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe. Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde reported that

Language

RSS

Newsletters

Home

China

World

Politics

Business

Sci-Tech

Health

Opinions

Video

Live

Radio

World Asia-Pacific Middle East Europe Americas Africa

By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser.

I agree

00:42

At least 18 people have died in devastating forest fires that have swept through south-central Chile, reaching homes and vehicles.

In response, President Gabriel Boric declared a state of catastrophe. Interior Minister Alvaro Elizalde reported that 24 fires are being battled, with over 50,000 people evacuated. The declaration allows the military to assist in containing the fires, which have already scorched 8,500 hectares. Charred bodies have been found in fields, homes, along roads and in vehicles. Residents were caught off guard by the fires, which struck suddenly after midnight, trapping many in their homes. While the total number of homes destroyed remains unclear, Concepcion in the Biobio region has reported 253 homes lost.

Open in CGTN APP for better experience

Search Trends