Central Chile is facing devastating wildfires: 131 lives lost, 1,100+ injured, and 300 missing as of Feb 11. Over 14,000 homes destroyed, affecting 40,000+ people. A state of emergency has been declared within affected regions.
According to the Chilean National Disaster Prevention and Response Service, at least 131 people had died and more than 1,100 injured throughout the country as at 11 February, while 300 people were missing in and around Viña del Mar city in Valparaíso. Wildfires are a frequent seasonal hazard between January–March in northern Chile, when the dry season provides favorable conditions for fire spreading. In February 2023, after a record heatwave, fires in the country swept through more than 400,000 hectares and killed more than 22 people.
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These wildfires highlight the urgent need to address climate change and increase surveillance and preparatory conditions. The record heatwave and dry conditions are reminders of how our planet's changing climate is escalating wildfire risks and harming people.