science.nasa.gov
In mid-January 2026, deadly wildland fires broke out in south-central Chile’s Biobío and Ñuble regions amid extreme heat and dry conditions. By January 20, the fires had burned over 30,000 hectares, killing at least 18 people and forcing the evacuation of 50,000 residents. The blazes destroyed more than 300 homes and charred neighborhoods in Concepción.
Gusty winds and temperatures exceeding 38°C (100°F) fueled the flames and hindered firefighting efforts, prompting Chile’s president to declare a state of catastrophe. NASA’s Terra satellite captured imagery of smoke billowing from multiple fires. Wildfires also threatened rare forests in Argentina’s Los Alerces National Park, located about 650 km south of the Chilean fires.
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