Photos show wildfires burning in Chile

Several people dead, as thousands of acres of forest torched

Last updated: January 21, 2026 | 05:28

1 MIN READ

Firefighters battle flames spreading through a forested area near Concepcion, Chile, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Javier Torres)

Wildfires raging across central and southern Chile on Sunday left several people dead, scorched thousands of acres of forest and destroyed scores of homes, authorities said.

The South American country is sweltering under a heat wave.

Residents clear debris at houses destroyed by a wildfire in Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

A resident clears debris at a house destroyed by a wildfire in Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

Residents clear debris at houses destroyed by a wildfire in Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

A resident clears debris at a house destroyed by a wildfire in Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

A resident looks at the ruins houses destroyed by a wildfire in Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

Aerial view showing the charred remains of destroyed homes after a wildfire ravaged Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

Residents walk along a street lined with the charred remains of destroyed vehicles after a wildfire ravaged Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

A resident pushes a wheelbarrow along a street lined with the charred remains of destroyed vehicles after a wildfire ravaged Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

Burning vegetation is seen during a wildfire in the town of Florida near the city of Concepción, Chile, on January 19, 2026.

A resident walks with her rescued dog after a wildfire ravaged Lirquen, a town in Penco near the city of Concepcion, Chile, on January 20, 2026.

Firefighter work next to burning vegetation during a wildfire in the town of Florida near the city of Concepción, Chile, on January 19, 2026.

A man tries to extinguish burning vegetation during a wildfire in the town of Florida near the city of Concepción, Chile, on January 19, 2026.

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