News

Efforts to Strengthen Wildfire Investigation in the Biobío Region

Sponsors

Of the 647 wildfires investigated by CONAF during the 2023-2024 period, 56% were caused intentionally, 40% by negligence, 3.6% by accidents, and 0.4% by unknown causes.

The Analysis and Diagnostics Unit (UAD) of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) conducted a wildfire investigation training for private companies associated with the Chilean Wood Corporation (Corma) in the Biobío Region.

The initiative aims to provide the private sector with knowledge on determining the origin and causes of such incidents, helping to redirect decisions related to planning and preventive measures in the area.

Regarding this, Helios Pujol, head of the Analysis and Diagnostics Unit at Conaf Biobío, stated that it is "a collaborative effort of this public-private alliance to familiarize companies with the methodology used in wildfire investigations, particularly the Physical Evidence Method and its stages. When applied methodically and systematically to all fires, it allows for determining the area of origin and its cause. Additionally, this procedure enables reconstructing the fire's progression by analyzing all traces and marks left by the flames on vegetation and the physical environment, identifying critical areas that require protection and key findings."

Furthermore, the specialist emphasized that "it is crucial for brigade leaders to keep the fire's starting area protected and ideally undisturbed to avoid hindering the investigation."

Cristóbal Palazuelos, CMPC’s Wildfire Prevention Deputy Manager, valued the training. "For us, these initiatives are very important because they provide Corma company colleagues with more tools to determine the real cause of fires. This is essential for prioritizing and focusing on prevention efforts to avoid recurring incidents and reduce risks," he added.

Noelia Pérez, Head of Wildfire Protection at Forestal Comaco, noted that such opportunities are useful for gaining new knowledge and reinforcing existing expertise. "I believe these are extremely important instances, especially for field personnel. There’s a gap we must address by pooling ideas to ensure they receive the most information and training possible."

Similarly, Freddy Chávez, Heritage Officer at Forestal Arauco, added, "We could say this is a highly effective training we’re conducting. It will help us identify the root cause of each investigation into the wildfires occurring both locally and nationwide."

Investigation in the Biobío Region

In the Biobío Region, 647 wildfires have been investigated during the 2023-2024 period. The analysis determined that 56% were caused intentionally, 40% by negligence, 3.6% by accidents, and 0.4% by unknown causes.

It should be noted that Conaf is authorized to investigate wildfires, with detailed results confidentially submitted to the Public Prosecutor's Office.

Source:Diario Concepción