Wildfires in Chile kill 20; displace more than 21,000

• On January 14, forest fires broke out in the Ñuble and Biobío regions.  

• The Chilean government declared a regional Red Alert in the province of Concepción, encompassing municipalities such as Penco, Tomé, and Concepción, close to Coronel, where World Vision operates. 

• The World Vision has responded with Child-friendly Spaces situated in community spaces and temporary shelters, for children to play and process trauma.   

Santiago, January 30, 2026 — Humanitarian and development organization, World Vision, has been on the ground since colossal wildfires collapsed on the Biobio region, leaving 20 dead, 21,700 displaced and more than 4,000 homes destroyed.   

On January 14, forest fires broke out in the Ñuble and Biobío regions.  Faced with the simultaneous advance of multiple fires, on January 17, SENAPRED (National Service for Disaster Prevention) declared a regional Red Alert in the province of Concepción, including municipalities such as Penco, Tomé, and Concepción, ordering the preventive evacuation of approximately 25,000 people. The fire, covering an area of nearly 30 kilometers, caused massive destruction, affecting between 80% and 100% of the homes in towns such as Punta de Parra (Tomé) and Lirquén (Penco).   

The Government of Chile has set up six temporary shelters, and the number of people currently housed there is 426. A Prevention and Early Warning remains in effect in the Biobío and Araucanía Regions. Although the number of fires has decreased considerably, with many being extinguished or contained (dropping from 30 to 12), it is important to note that unusual weather conditions keep prevention and response agencies on high alert for a potential resurgence of fires. 

World Vision responds with Child-Friendly Spaces 

The affected areas in the Biobio region are close to World Vision’s Area Program in the municipality of Coronel, which made it easier to respond as soon as possible. The organization gathered information on the ground regarding children's needs, where protection and safety were identified as priorities, including safe shelter, food, clothing, and footwear, and hygiene items.   

Following a needs assessment, World Vision decided to implement Child-Friendly Spaces in two of the most affected areas: three inside temporary shelters in Penco and one in a community center in Punta de Parra (Tomé). These installations, which include children mobiliary and materials for play and relaxation, not only provide a safe space for children to remain while their parents undergo the crisis, but they also provide an opportunity for children to process their emotions and trauma.  

The Child-Friendly Spaces are operated by World Vision professionals and 15 volunteers who have received prior training from our organization. The team is rigorously trained in safety protocols, psychological first aid, developing engaging and supportive play activities, and sensitive childcare. 

“During emergencies, children are exposed to higher risks of sexual abuse, violence and exploitation. In addition to this, there is all the stress and shock suffered from the loss of their homes and belongings. If we work with children, we should try not to cause them more harm than they are already suffering”, said Vanessa Carrillo, Humanitarian Emergency Affairs (HEA) Coordinator.  

World Vision’s duty is also to train volunteers and social organizations who wish to work with children affected by emergencies. In that sense, we set up a working group with other social organizations in favor of children to channel aid and train any volunteer who wants to support actions in child protection issues.  

The organization urges the international community to reinforce child protection mechanisms, expand psychosocial support for families and children, and ensure financing to deliver humanitarian support prioritizing the safety, nutrition, and emotional well-being of children in Chile. 

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For further information contact: Tania_Herrera@wvi.org, Tania Herrera, Communications Coordinator. Vanessa_Carrillo@wvi.org, Vanessa Carrillo, Humanitarian Emergency Affairs (HEA) Coordinator.    

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.wvi.org or follow us on Twitter @WorldVision