As forest fires persist in central Chile following outbreaks since December 24, at least four new blazes ignited on December 27 in Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, and Maule regions amid extreme heat, low humidity, and winds. Updates include progression on prior fires like Larmahue, a resolved arson detention in Maule, evacuations, and multi-agency response efforts.
Extreme weather—temperatures of 30-35°C, humidity below 30%, westerly winds, and dry vegetation—continued fueling forest fires across central Chile on December 27, building on 12 active blazes reported the previous day, including major incidents like Cerro Maule (1,127 ha) and Larmahue (previously 200 ha).
New and updated fires:
- Valparaíso Region (San Carlos Alto, Catemu): Scorched 4 hectares, damaging four houses, two vehicles, and affecting 15 people (10 civilians, five firefighters). Evacuations ordered via SAE alerts; red alert later canceled. Response: seven Conaf brigades, six aircraft, heavy machinery, and regional firefighters.
Metropolitana Region (Parque Laguna Caren, Pudahuel): 8 hectares burned, prompting evacuations in nearby neighborhoods. Resources: two brigades, heavy machinery, helicopter, and firefighters.
O’Higgins Region (Larmahue, Pichidegua): Updated to 256 hectares (from 200 ha prior), started by minors with a lighter; 400 evacuated, two homes destroyed. Regional red alert for heat; ongoing aerial and ground support.
Maule Region (Linares de Perales, Maule commune): 280-330 hectares affected (distinct from Cerro Maule), one house destroyed, one displaced. A 43-year-old man detained for igniting dry grass was released due to insufficient evidence (no lighter found), despite initial extension of detention to December 27. Red alert active; combat continues.
Conaf, Senapred, and firefighters are monitoring nationwide, investigating human causes, with heat warnings extending through December 31 potentially worsening spread. No serious injuries reported across incidents.
