Amid forecasts of temperatures up to 37°C, Chile's National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) declared a red alert for extreme heat in central regions from Coquimbo to Ñuble, from December 29 to 31. Officials report 11 active forest fires, three under combat, and urge prevention to avoid new blazes during year-end holidays.
On Sunday, December 28, Senapred director Alicia Cebrián led a technical meeting with officials from the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Chile's Meteorological Directorate (DMC), and the Health Ministry to address high temperatures and fires impacting central Chile. The DMC forecasted an extreme heat event raising temperatures between 34°C and 37°C in valleys and pre-mountain areas from Valparaíso to Ñuble regions, from December 28 to January 2, 2026.
Red alerts for extreme heat were issued for Valparaíso, Metropolitana, O’Higgins, Maule, and Ñuble, with a yellow alert in Biobío. In the Metropolitana Region, highs will reach 36°C on Monday 29 and Wednesday 31, with 33-35°C on the coast and 34-36°C in the valley and pre-mountain areas. Cebrián urged avoiding sun exposure from 11:00 to 17:00, staying hydrated, and protecting vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly. “Do not expose yourself to this heat during peak hours, hydrate, and care for vulnerable groups,” she stated.
On fires, Conaf reported 11 active: two under observation, three in combat, and six controlled. The most significant is 'Larmahue' in Pichidegua, O’Higgins, affecting 265 hectares with a yellow communal alert. 302 brigades and 75 aircraft were deployed. Director Rodrigo Illescas highlighted conducive conditions like high temperatures, low humidity, and strong winds, calling to avoid throwing cigarette butts or using spark-generating tools.
President Gabriel Boric reinforced the message on social media: “Preventing a fire will always be easier than fighting it. Please do not light fires, make bonfires, or throw cigarette butts in parks or green areas.” Acting Minister Paula Poblete and Undersecretary Andrea Albagli recommended light clothing, sunscreen, and for heat strokes, applying cold compresses to the neck and abdomen while calling SAMU (131). All officials stressed that 100% of RM fires are human-caused, urging caution during New Year's celebrations.
