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GDACS is a cooperation framework between the United Nations, the European Commission and disaster managers worldwide to improve awareness, information exchange and coordination in the first phase after major sudden-onset disasters.

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Chile – Wildfire (ECHO 21 Jan 2026)
Pubdate: 1/21/2026 12:44:45 PM

Since 1 January, a series of wildfires have been raging across central Chile, causing an escalating death toll and widespread destruction. The most affected regions are La Araucanía, Biobío, Maule, Metropolitana, and Ñuble.
Between 1 and 21 January, the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) recorded 17 active fires, and the total area burned surpassed 61 000 hectares.
As of 20 January, national authorities reported at least 20 fatalities, more than 7 000 people affected, and 590 homes destroyed.
According to the JRC Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), fire-danger levels are forecast to range from high to very extreme across the Biobío, Ñuble, La Araucanía, Maule, and Metropolitana regions.
On 20 January, the Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) was activated at the request of the Chilean authorities. The request concerns the deployment of a Fire Assistance Support Team (FAST), including aerial coordinators, analysts, and planning professionals, to strengthen coordination and strategic planning capacities.
On 21 January, the Copernicus EMS was activated in rapid mapping mode ().

(1/21/2026 1:17:03 PM - 1/22/2026 9:30:03 AM)

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