Concepción, Chile - January 18, 2026 Thick smoke blanketed the sky over Penco and nearby areas, including Lirquén, near Concepción at first light on January 18, 2026, as major wildfires burned across parts of the Biobío Region. The early morning brought a dense gray-brown haze and an ominous orange-tinted dawn, signaling intense fires burning in surrounding hills and forested zones. Smoke spread widely across the area, sharply reducing visibility and raising concerns about air quality and safety in affected neighborhoods. Residents described severe conditions on the ground. One account said Lirquén had “almost disappeared completely,” with fires continuing in higher areas. Others compared the situation to the destructive 2024 fires in Viña del Mar and Quilpué. In Penco, smoke was reported to be so heavy that darkness persisted even after sunrise. The fires were part of Chile’s severe austral summer fire season, worsened by drought, high temperatures, strong winds, and dry vegetation. Multiple blazes were active across Penco, Tomé, Florida, and nearby communes, threatening homes and triggering emergency responses, including evacuations and firefighting efforts by CONAF. Across the Concepción metropolitan area, heavy smoke, darkened skies, and health alerts affected daily life as authorities worked to contain the fires and protect communities.