Chile: Wildfires

Wildfires are burning in central Chile. On 18 January 2026, the Chilean Government declared a State of Catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío regions. 

Evacuation orders, curfews and warnings are in effect for multiple regions, including:

• Ñuble
• Biobío
• La Araucanía
• O’Higgins

Chilean authorities are advising people to avoid the affected areas. If you are near a wildfire:

• follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders
• monitor local media for up-to-date information

The website of Chile’s National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Servicio Nacional de Prevención y Respuesta ante Desastres (SERNAPRED) (in Spanish) has more local information. 

Here’s our advice on what to do if there’s a natural disaster or severe weather while you’re travelling overseas.

Be sure to register your details with us. Having your travel and contact information means we can send you security alerts and travel advice updates about the places you’re travelling to. It is also how we communicate with New Zealanders during an international crisis. Register your travel.

Our advice level for Chile has not changed, we continue to advise New Zealanders to exercise increased caution in Chile due to crime and the potential for violent civil unrest (level 2 of 4). See our full advisory for Chile here.

New Zealanders in Chile who require consular assistance should contact the New Zealand embassy in Santiago on +56 226163000 or email: [email protected]

For emergency consular assistance, call +64 99 20 20 20.