Chili pepper experience the worst emergency in years as fires sweep through the central and southern regions, following threats similar to the 2020 quake. Devastating blazes have already claimed many lives, with authorities describing a scene of widespread destruction that has closed off entire blocks of coastal cities. Early reports from ministers indicate the death toll is likely to climb as more information comes in. Investigators are looking into whether the fires were accidental or intentional, with initial indicators guiding the inquiry. Here is how recovery and containment efforts are unfolding, along with maps showing the most affected areas.
Valparaiso County
Across Valparaíso, dozens of fires have erupted, with at least 165 outbreaks recorded in the central and southern parts of the region. The city of Valparaíso, the region’s hub, has borne the brunt of the devastation, while nearby Viña del Mar — a recognized international tourism destination about 120 kilometers from Santiago — has also been hit hard. Neighborhoods across the region have been overwhelmed, with residents facing the loss of homes and possessions. Since Friday, shifting winds have fanned the flames, turning neighborhoods into perilous zones and complicating evacuation and suppression efforts. The scale of the crisis has turned a summer destination into a frontline of emergency response.
More than a hundred dead
Officials report that the death toll has surpassed 100, with authorities cautioning that the final figure may rise as rescue teams continue searching for the missing. Around 200 people are unaccounted for, most of them caught by the fast-moving fires in their homes. Thick smoke blankets the affected cities, hindering visibility and breathing for residents and responders alike. In Vaparaíso, thousands of homes have been destroyed, leaving families displaced and seeking shelter. A curfew has been issued in several cities to streamline the eradication and relief missions. The affected areas, normally crowded with tourists enjoying peak season, are now a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can upend a community.
Large device
Approximately 1,400 firefighters are actively engaged in containment work, supported by military personnel to secure the hardest-hit zones. Medical facilities have scaled back routine operations as they triage the injured, while medical students nearing the end of their studies are mobilized to assist in hospital functions. The coordinated effort extends to rapid response units and shelter operations designed to protect civilians and prevent further casualties.
Authorities have also restricted the handling of flames and heat-generating devices in the affected Valparaíso region to prevent accidental reignition and ensure safer working conditions for responders. Community leaders emphasize adherence to safety measures and the rapid dissemination of situational updates to minimize risk for residents and visitors.