Firefighter Drowns During Valparaíso Wildfire Response, Three Injured As Rural Community Evacuated In Chile

Valparaíso, Chile— A wildfire swept through a rural community near Valparaíso on November 1, 2026, killing one firefighter who drowned during operations and injuring three others as flames destroyed homes and brush.

The fire started around midday in dry grasslands east of the port city. Strong winds pushed it uphill toward scattered houses. CONAF, Chile's forest service, deployed crews and a water-dropping helicopter. Volunteer firefighters from Valparaíso joined.

Officials said the dead firefighter was part of a brigade trying to protect a water reservoir. He slipped into a canal while laying hose and was swept under by fast-moving water used to feed fire pumps. Colleagues pulled him out but he did not survive. Three other firefighters suffered burns and smoke inhalation.

"The conditions were extreme. Wind, low humidity, and highly flammable scrub. We lost one of our own in a drowning, which shows how complex these fires become," a CONAF regional commander said at the command post. He said the fire burned more than 120 hectares.

Valparaíso region faces annual wildfires. Informal housing, dry eucalyptus plantations, and poor access roads increase risk. This year, a prolonged drought left vegetation tinder-dry. Temperatures reached 32 degrees Celsius Saturday.

Residents evacuated with livestock and belongings. At least eight houses were damaged. Power lines fell, cutting electricity to two villages. Smoke was visible from Valparaíso city. Schools were told to keep children indoors.

The Interior Ministry declared a red alert for the province. The military was placed on standby to help with evacuations. Water trucks were sent from nearby communes. Firefighters said they contained 60 percent of the fire by evening.

Family members of the dead firefighter arrived at the fire station late Saturday. He was identified as a 34-year-old volunteer with six years of service. The government said it will provide support to his family.

The three injured firefighters were taken to Van Buren Hospital. One remains in intensive care with burns. The others are stable. Officials said the cause of the original fire is under investigation.

Fire crews will remain overnight to monitor hotspots. Winds are forecast to ease by Sunday morning.