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State-of-the-Art Drones to Combat Wildfires in Los Lagos

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With an investment of nearly $200 million, the region is equipping itself with cutting-edge technology for wildfire prevention and control.

The Los Lagos region is making a technological leap in wildfire combat with the acquisition of 12 state-of-the-art drones. This project, funded with a budget of $198,024,000, aims to improve emergency response capabilities, optimize forest monitoring, and protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.

The Regional Government of Los Lagos, in collaboration with the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), has announced a tender for the purchase of drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and specialized software. These devices will enable real-time monitoring and the creation of detailed maps of fire-affected areas, significantly enhancing firefighting and prevention operations.

Regional Governor Patricio Vallespin emphasizes the need to update tools and technologies to address the challenges posed by climate change in natural disaster management. The acquisition of these drones—which also includes parachutes, propeller sets, batteries, memory cards, notebooks, and specialized software—marks a milestone in the protection of Chilean forests.

The tender, published on October 14, 2024, will remain open until November 4 of the same year. The contract award is expected on December 2, 2024, when the supplier of this critical equipment will be selected.

CONAF's regional director, Miguel Ángel Leiva, highlights the advantages of incorporating these drones into wildfire prevention and control strategies, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Beyond strengthening emergency response, the drones will be crucial for monitoring high-risk zones and enforcing forestry regulations.

With this initiative, the Los Lagos region positions itself at the forefront of technology applied to natural disaster management and prevention, setting an important precedent for environmental stewardship and public safety in Chile.