High winds over the weekend fueled a series of wildfires in southern Chile, ravaging forests and homes and killing at least 19 people. As of January 22, 2026, dozens of fires remain active across the region, with firefighting teams working to contain the blazes.
Authorities say gusty conditions turned initial sparks into fast-spreading infernos, overwhelming both rural and urban areas. The destruction has left communities reeling, and local leaders are calling for strengthened preparedness and response strategies.
While crews continue to battle remaining hotspots, the scale of the disaster underscores the challenges Chilean authorities face in managing wildfires under extreme weather conditions. Support efforts for affected families are underway as the region begins to assess the full impact.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
