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CMPC's Female Brigade: "There's Nothing Women Can't Do"

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Six women make up CMPC's first all-female brigade, a multifunctional team specialized in protecting homes. They acknowledge they are entering a field historically led by men and aim to pave the way for more women to join the task of combating wildfires.

Consuelo Vallejos, 21, began her journey as a firefighter at 18 and says she has always been passionate about this work. Driven by her commitment to service and community aid, she applied to join one of the country's first female brigades, called 811. "This was something I had dreamed of. When we worked as firefighters during wildfires, I’d see the guys in their yellow jackets, helmets, and backpacks and thought how cool it would be to be there—and now we can, and here we are. It’s a huge and very important step. I think it’s fantastic that this door is opening," she explains.
Consuelo has been working in this brigade for five months, operating in central and southern Chile during the 2021-2022 wildfire season. She describes it as a demanding yet invaluable experience, offering a chance to break into a male-dominated field, gain extensive knowledge, and pave the way for more women to join. "I know many women have faced job rejections because employers were 'looking for men,' but what do they have that we don’t? Many women are mothers—some even acting as both mom and dad—and they do an amazing job while managing a household. There’s nothing we can’t do. It’s important to break these barriers, to work here professionally and be fairly compensated," emphasizes the young firefighter.
This all-female brigade, part of CMPC's wildfire combat resources, was formed in 2021 after extensive preparation. They underwent weeks of training and five months living together, working nonstop to control fires across the country.
The long deployment kept them away from home and family, which wasn’t easy for some. Claudia Suazo, 30, a mother of three and another brigade member, credits her husband’s support as crucial. "This is a huge challenge. The season lasts five months, and I told my kids Mom would be in and out. My partner is very attentive and knows how to step up as a dad. I’m here knowing my children are safe—he encouraged me to do this," she shares.
Claudia sees this job as a major opportunity and plans to grow in the field. "I feel great here and think it’s a fantastic chance. I want to work and study," she says.
This specialized team operates as a mobile brigade, traveling to different areas to prevent fire spread and protect rural-urban homes, fighting flames when needed. They use a 2,000-liter capacity vehicle carrying retardants, foam, and fire-resistant gel—key tools to safeguard infrastructure. "What motivated me was wanting to help, to volunteer. Saving lives matters to me," says Yesenia Valenzuela, 28, another member of Brigade 811.
Also a firefighter, Yesenia agrees this has been a great opportunity to grow in a new field. "Many women before us were denied these jobs. Being a woman is often seen as a limitation, but we do the same work—sometimes even better. Including women adds something special to a brigade. It’s a pride and a big responsibility to represent women here," she states.
Ignacio Lira, CMPC’s Corporate Affairs Deputy Manager, stresses the importance of opening doors for women in traditionally male-dominated roles: "These six brigade members prove women excel in such fields. We’ll keep working to include more women in forestry and beyond."