FLORIDA, Chile — Chilean emergency crews combating the nation’s most devastating wildfires in recent history are confronting unprecedented challenges beyond the flames themselves—including armed attacks and unauthorized drone operations that threaten aerial firefighting operations.
The catastrophic blazes have claimed at least 21 lives and scorched approximately 45,700 hectares (176 square miles) of forestland and residential areas, according to Thursday’s report from Chile’s National Forestry Corporation (CONAF). The scale of destruction has already surpassed April’s Valparaíso and Viña del Mar inferno that consumed 8,500 hectares and killed 131 people.
The human toll continues to mount with 305 injured and 2,359 homes destroyed, leaving hundreds displaced in makeshift shelters. Charred landscapes reveal haunting scenes of burned vehicles and wildlife while search teams recover skeletal remains for forensic identification. Authorities acknowledge the casualty count will likely rise as assessment teams document the full extent of the tragedy.
President Gabriel Boric declared two days of national mourning while visiting the devastated Biobío region, stating on social media platform X: ‘Amid the profound sorrow caused by the forest fires in the south-central region of our country, I have decided to decree two days of national mourning.’
Firefighters facing dual threats
The nearly 8,500 firefighters battling the blazes since Sunday have encountered deliberate hostility alongside natural dangers. Official reports confirm at least two attacks on fire crews, including one incident involving gunfire. President Boric condemned these aggressions as ‘absolutely unacceptable’ and promised full legal consequences for perpetrators.
Simultaneously, unauthorized drone operations by journalists and hobbyists seeking aerial footage have forced temporary suspensions of critical airborne firefighting missions around the town of Florida, where wildfires remain uncontrolled. These civilian drones risk catastrophic mid-air collisions with water-dropping aircraft and distract ground crews.
CONAF emphasized that drone use during firefighting operations is strictly prohibited, noting: ‘The use of unmanned aircraft can endanger the lives of helicopter and airplane pilots working to control these fires.’
Authorities have arrested approximately 70 individuals this fire season for arson-related activities, including one suspect detained Thursday for allegedly starting a blaze in Punta de Parra near the epicenter of destruction.
International solidarity emerges
Global support has mobilized to assist Chile’s crisis response. Mexico deployed 145 firefighters who arrived Thursday at Concepción airport to work alongside local crews. Uruguay is providing approximately 30 professionals and air force aircraft, while the United States has delivered specialized firefighting equipment directly to Chilean authorities.
Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren confirmed ongoing discussions with United Nations agencies and the European Union’s humanitarian aid office for additional support, noting that government planning already extends beyond fire containment to future reconstruction efforts.