The spread of fires doesn't end with natural disasters — The "chain of fires" extends to drone interference and arson suspicions.

The spread of fires doesn't end with natural disasters — The "chain of fires" extends to drone interference and arson suspicions.

1) "It's Not That Fires Have Increased, But That the Way They Burn Has Changed"

In January 2026, wildfires in the Biobío and Ñuble regions of central-southern Chile rapidly consumed forests, farmland, and residential areas, leading to fatalities and large-scale evacuations. Footage from the scene showed flames "racing" across mountainsides, smoke covering towns, and endless lines of evacuating vehicles.


However, experts emphasize that the current crisis is not due to an "abnormally high number of fires." The real issue is that even with fewer ignitions, the burned area has increased dramatically, and fires spread more intensely and quickly. The characteristics of "extreme fire seasons" observed worldwide have become pronounced in Chile.


2) The Recipe is "Ignition x Fuel x Dryness"—And Humans Are Involved in All

Fire risk is broadly determined by the combination of "ignition," "fuel," and "dryness" (including high temperatures, low humidity, and wind). In Chile, over a decade of drought has left vegetation extremely dry, and summer heat combined with strong, erratic winds intensifies fires. This part is understandable as "harsh weather conditions."


However, what scientists repeatedly point out this time is the vulnerability when human-made landscapes are linked with climate change. In addition to many ignitions being human-caused, houses are spreading in areas where the boundary between urban and forest areas is blurred, turning fires from "forest disasters" into "urban disasters."


3) Who Increased the "Flammable Forests"?—The Acceleration Brought by Plantations

In central-southern Chile, large-scale plantations of pine and eucalyptus for timber and pulp are widespread. These trees grow quickly and are industrially attractive, but they often present troublesome conditions from a fire perspective.

  • The same species and age of trees are continuous, making it difficult for fuel to be interrupted

  • Dead branches and leaves accumulate on the ground, and if management is inadequate, fires can easily start

  • Branches act like "ladders," guiding fire upwards and making crown fires (where the tops of trees burn) more likely

  • In strong winds, embers are carried forward in large quantities, creating new ignition points beyond firebreaks


What is important here is the observation that "it's often not the flames themselves that burn houses, but the embers." Embers fall on combustible materials in attics or yards, creating "secondary fires." As a result, traditional methods of containment, which involve surrounding and stopping fires with lines, become less effective.


On the other hand, native forests may slow the spread of fires due to their diversity and moisture, meaning not all "forests" burn in the same way. Therefore, the current crisis cannot be explained by weather alone. Land use choices regarding "what to plant, how to plant, and how to manage" have contributed to increasing the speed and temperature of fires.


4) The "Secondary Disasters" Left Behind by Flames—The Chain of Smoke, Soil, Water, and Ecosystems

The damage from wildfires cannot be measured only by the burned area or the destruction of homes. Smoke is carried far away, burdening respiratory and circulatory systems. Even after the fire is out, soil becomes water-repellent, making it difficult for rainwater to penetrate, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. If sediment flows into rivers, water purification costs rise.


More seriously, there is a possibility that ecosystems may not "return to their original state." In areas that burned intensely, invasive species or highly invasive plants may spread preferentially, replacing native forests. As a result, the likelihood of subsequent fires increases, creating a "negative cycle" where disasters beget disasters.


5) The "Speed of the Scene" Captured by SNS—Dissemination, Support, and Anger

In this fire, social media played a significant role. Not only posts from local residents, but disaster-related accounts aggregated footage, sharing the damage situation in real-time with the world. Posts showing satellite images of smoke bands and the spread of fire points were particularly widely shared, with reactions noting that "the danger is more intuitively understood than on a map."


At the same time, social media also served as a "conduit for support." Information about evacuations, shortages of supplies, animal rescue, and volunteer recruitment circulated in short messages, speeding up mutual aid. Meanwhile, comment sections were filled with anger and political debates, such as "Why weren't warnings issued sooner?" "Isn't this the consequence of plantation policies?" and "If arson is suspected, severe punishment is necessary." It indicates that the disaster is being perceived not just as a natural phenomenon but as a societal design issue.


Another angle that drew attention was the criticism of actions that hinder firefighting efforts. Reports indicated issues with attacks on firefighters and unauthorized drone flights that could interfere with the operation of firefighting helicopters and aircraft. The desire to capture footage can ultimately compromise on-site safety and firefighting efficiency—highlighting the contradictions in disaster response in the age of social media.


6) Misinformation Also "Spreads Like Fire"—Old Footage and Isolated Numbers

The more powerful social media is, the easier it is for misinformation to spread. In this case, there were reports of old firefighting footage from different years being shared as "this fire," leading to verification articles. During disasters, heightened anxiety makes sensational footage more believable and shareable. However, incorrect footage not only amplifies fear and anger but also risks misguiding support priorities and evacuation decisions.


To accurately convey the local situation, it's essential to verify the source of posts, the date and location of the footage (landscape, buildings, signs), and cross-reference multiple pieces of information. "Confirmation" should precede "dissemination." This is the minimum fire prevention measure required for recipients as well.


7) What's Needed Next Is Not Just the "Power to Extinguish"—Designing a Fire-Resistant Society

On the front lines of fires, the efforts of firefighters are indispensable. However, the "next step" experts refer to is not solely reliant on responses after a fire breaks out. Systems to reduce ignitions, manage fuel (combustibles), create defensive spaces in residential areas (such as creating non-flammable zones around homes), and, in the long term, mitigate and adapt to climate change are necessary. These measures are unglamorous, politically entangled, and lack immediate effectiveness.


Nonetheless, the reality highlighted by the Chilean fires is that when the "fire season" qualitatively changes, traditional common sense cannot keep up. If fires become faster and hotter, information, support, and societal design must be updated to match that speed and precision.


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