News

Conaf: Wildfires Decrease by 58% Compared to Last Season

Sponsors

The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) confirmed a 58% decrease in the number of wildfires in Biobío to date compared to the 2022-2023 season.

The regional director of the agency, Rodrigo Jara, confirmed that 301 fires have occurred in the region as of Wednesday, December 27, which is less than half of the 703 recorded by the same date last year.

However, there has been an increase in the number of hectares affected, currently totaling 2,400—more than double the 1,100 hectares recorded in 2022.

"We must remain cautious in this regard, even if the numbers may seem positive so far. As you mentioned, there has been a decrease compared to the same date last season. We currently have 301 wildfires, which is 58% fewer than last season. We're talking about 301 this season versus 703 on the same day last season," said regional director Rodrigo Jara.

Regarding the increase in burned area this 2023, Jara explained that it is specifically due to the impact of the wildfire that occurred in Santa Bárbara in early December, which resulted in 2,200 hectares affected.

"This will balance out in early January, and everything remains the same. Last January, we had a major fire in San José Grande with 5,500 hectares (Santa Juana). By February 1 of last season, the numbers were relatively favorable compared to 2022, but the situation changed overnight. That’s why maintaining caution is crucial," Jara said.

Prevention

The regional director explained that two factors may be directly related to the positive outlook in Biobío so far: prevention efforts and more favorable weather conditions than in 2022.

"(It’s due to) the prevention work we’ve carried out this year, which has been very strong. Not just the work done by Conaf, but also the efforts of forestry companies, municipalities, and the support from the Presidential Delegation and the Regional Government. Like never before, we’ve managed to unite efforts, a convergence of capabilities and resources dedicated to prevention. Today, everyone understands the need to collaborate," emphasized Rodrigo Jara.

Similarly, he explained that this effort has involved repeated messaging to the community and residents of the Biobío Region.

"This is not the responsibility of a single agency—not just the Fire Department, not just a municipality, not just Conaf—we are all involved. Prevention is everyone’s duty, including the support we’ve received from the media. Making this work visible through your platforms is essential," Jara said.

Weather Factor

Regarding the second factor, improved weather conditions, Jara detailed that sporadic rainfall in the last quarter of this season has played a key role, as it has helped maintain favorable or less adverse relative humidity compared to late December 2022 or early January 2023.

"We must not forget, however, that conditions by mid-January and February will be different, with a significant drop in rainfall—we won’t have rain in summer. So, we must constantly monitor our red alert system and weather platforms to coordinate operations and patrols, which have worked well in my opinion," added the Conaf director.
In any case, the regional representative reiterated the need to "not let our guard down," despite the positive outlook.
"We cannot lower our guard because conditions can change drastically in a single day. We must continue reinforcing shared responsibility—where everyone is accountable—to minimize risky actions. For example, common-sense measures like what to do when visiting a park," he added.

He then stressed the importance of following park rangers' recommendations, avoiding campfires, and, if holding outdoor events like barbecues, doing so in clear or vegetation-free areas. Likewise, avoiding such activities during extreme conditions like high temperatures and strong winds.

"Avoid discarding cigarette butts, whether while driving, hiking, or walking near dense vegetation. No use of welding equipment or burners during critical periods, no burning of trash, and avoiding agricultural or waste burning," Jara listed.

"These are a series of actions aimed at wildfire prevention, where people must take responsibility by avoiding such behaviors to prevent tragedies like those of last season," he concluded.

Source:www.diarioconcepcion.cl