Chile's 2026-2027 wildfire season arrives with a warning from Conaf: "we know that all these coming months are going to be very complex", said its executive director, Aída Baldini, in an interview published on 19 October 2026 by [Reporte Agrícola](https://www.reporteagricola.cl/noticia/entrevistas/2026/10/incendios-forestales-directora-ejecutiva-de-conaf-afirma-que-los-proximos-meses-van-a-ser-muy-complejos). The combination of dry vegetation, high temperatures and wind, in an El Niño year, is what worries the authorities.
For anyone travelling in summer to parks, campsites and rural areas, that means more alert days, more restrictions on the use of fire and the possibility of trails or protected areas closing when the risk is high.
What is known about the 2026-2027 wildfire season
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jobs in the prevention programme | 9,480 | Conaf, 23 Sep 2026 |
| Programme budget | CLP 9,265 million | Conaf, 23 Sep 2026 |
| Kilometres of firebreaks and clearing | About 7,000 km | Conaf, 23 Sep 2026 |
| Regions covered | From Atacama to Los Lagos, October to December | Conaf, 23 Sep 2026 |
| AI-equipped detection cameras | Nearly 400 | Aída Baldini, 19 Oct 2026 |
Sources: Conaf, presentation of the Programme for the Prevention and Mitigation of Forest Fires (23 September 2026) and interview with Aída Baldini in Reporte Agrícola (19 October 2026).
Agriculture Minister Jaime Campos anticipated "a complex summer" and explained that heavy winter rain makes the grass grow, and once dry it spreads fire quickly. This spring's rains, which led to red alerts in central Chile, feed that same cycle.
Where the use of fire is banned or restricted
Conaf publishes the status of controlled burns by region. As of October 2026, the situation is as follows:
| Region | Status of controlled burns | Until |
|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan (Santiago) | Banned (air decontamination plan) | 31 October 2026 |
| Valparaíso | Restricted | 31 May 2027 |
| Atacama and Aysén | Restricted | 31 March 2027 |
| O'Higgins | Allowed only in eight municipalities | No date |
| Maule | Allowed, except in Talca and Maule | No date |
| Rest of the country | Allowed with prior notice to Conaf | No date |
Source: Conaf, status of the use of fire by region, October 2026. Where allowed, burns require a notice receipt from Conaf and can never be carried out on weekends or public holidays. These rules apply to agricultural burns: campfires in parks and campsites are governed by the rules of each protected area or site.
Do you run a campsite, cabins or a nature tour? Reach travellers preparing their summer holidays.
See advertising optionsWhat travellers should do during the wildfire season
- Never light fires outside designated places: in Conaf's protected areas you may only cook at authorised, signposted sites.
- Check the alerts before setting off: Conaf issues "red button" warnings for the days, hours and places of greatest risk; Senapred reports alerts by municipality at senapred.cl.
- Beware of sparks: Baldini noted that a spark from welding or a machine is enough to start a fire; the same goes for cigarette butts and glass in the grass.
- If you see smoke, report it: Conaf's number for reporting wildfires is 130.
- Have an exit plan: in cabins and campsites surrounded by forest, know the evacuation routes and follow the authorities' instructions.
More surveillance at tourist destinations
Conaf is adding AI-equipped cameras to detect smoke. On 20 October it installed three on the cross of Cerro Philippi in Puerto Varas, more than 30 metres up and with a range of more than 25 kilometres, connected to its regional coordination centre, according to Conaf Los Lagos. If you are heading south this summer, our guide to what to do in Puerto Varas will help you plan.
If you plan to visit national parks, check the status of each one beforehand on Pases Parques, Conaf's official ticket office, and bear in mind that some may close on high-risk days. Our ranking of the most visited parks helps you choose alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
What will Chile's 2026-2027 wildfire season be like?
Conaf expects "very complex" months because of El Niño, dry grass and high temperatures.
What number do you call to report a wildfire in Chile?
Conaf's 130.
Can you light campfires in national parks?
Only at the authorised, signposted places in each protected area, and only when no fire-risk restrictions are in force.
