This Sunday afternoon, the National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) declared a red alert in the Chonchi commune, Los Lagos Region, due to a rapidly spreading forest fire threatening homes, people, and critical infrastructure. The measure was upgraded from a previous yellow alert, based on data from the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf). The fire, in the Nahuiltad sector near Castro, has affected approximately one hectare of vegetation.
The forest fire in Chonchi was reported on the afternoon of Sunday, January 4, 2026, in the Nahuiltad sector on Isla Grande de Chiloé, near the Castro commune. According to Senapred, the blaze is spreading rapidly and poses an imminent threat, leading to the declaration of a red alert to mobilize additional resources.
An initial yellow alert was issued but upgraded due to the fire's quick advance, which has devastated approximately one hectare of vegetation. The decision was based on technical information from Conaf.
Volunteers from the Fire Departments of Castro and Chonchi are working at the site. Additionally, Conaf has deployed one technician, two brigades, and a helicopter to fight the flames.
Senapred stated that "all necessary and available resources will be mobilized, in additional support to what has already been deployed by Conaf, Firefighters, and the National System for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Sinapred). In this way, action will be taken to control the situation, given the extent and severity of the event".
The red alert will remain in place as long as conditions require, aiming to protect the population and nearby infrastructure. No injuries have been reported so far, but firefighting efforts continue.
