U.S. Embassy in Santiago Issues Fire Season Alert for Chile

U.S. Embassy Warns Citizens of Peak Fire Season in Chile

The U.S. Embassy in Santiago issued a weather alert on January 2, 2026, advising U.S. citizens residing in or traveling through Chile about the country's peak fire season. This period, typically spanning from December through March, is characterized by a heightened risk of wildfires across the nation.

Understanding the Wildfire Threat

Wildfires in Chile are described as extremely dangerous, capable of moving rapidly and causing significant destruction. The alert highlights that conditions can change suddenly, and even areas not directly engulfed by flames may become hazardous due to smoke. Furthermore, transportation in affected regions can become limited and difficult. Chile faces a high wildfire hazard, with a greater than 50% annual probability of weather conditions supporting significant wildfires that could lead to loss of life and property.

The country's 2025-2026 fire season has already seen an intensification, with over 1,290 fire incidents reported as of December 16, 2025. Factors contributing to the severity of these fires include heatwaves, prolonged drought, strong winds, and the prevalence of highly flammable exotic plant species. Climate change is also noted for increasing the frequency and intensity of fire weather, extending the fire season, and leading to longer periods without rain.

Recommended Actions for U.S. Citizens

The U.S. Embassy strongly urges its citizens to take proactive measures to ensure their safety during this critical period. Key recommendations include:

• Monitoring Local Information: Stay informed by following local news and checking the website of Chile's National Emergency Agency, SENAPRED, for the latest updates on active wildfires.
• Situational Awareness: Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Avoiding Impacted Areas: Steer clear of any regions affected by active wildfires.
• Following Official Guidance: Adhere strictly to the guidance and orders issued by local authorities.
• Emergency Contacts: In case of a fire, call 132 to report it. For medical assistance, dial 131.
• Personal Preparedness: Review personal security plans and develop evacuation strategies that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. Ensure all travel documents are current and easily accessible.
• STEP Enrollment: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive crucial safety and security updates directly from the Embassy.

Chile's Preparedness and Historical Context

In response to the ongoing threat, the Chilean government has significantly increased its budget for the 2025-2026 fire season, allocating over US$167 million. This represents a 113% increase compared to 2021. A fleet of 77 aircraft, including helicopters, will be available for firefighting efforts.

Chile has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years. The 2024 fires in the Valparaíso region were among the deadliest in the country's history, resulting in 131 fatalities and impacting approximately 14,000 homes. The 2023 fire season also saw over 430,000 hectares burned and 26 deaths. Experts have pointed to factors such as poor territorial planning and a lack of a 'fire culture' as contributing to the widespread impact of these events.