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Authorities Announce Restrictions on Agricultural Burning in the Maule Region

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Starting November 1, the Maule region will prohibit agricultural and forestry burns until April 2025, in response to high wildfire risks and as a measure to protect its natural resources.

The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Agriculture (Seremi de Agricultura) in the Maule Region announced that, as of November 1, all types of agricultural and forestry burns will be banned in the region to prevent wildfires during the high-risk season. This measure will remain in effect until April 2025, when the controlled burning calendar will resume.

The regional director of CONAF, María Isabel Florido, emphasized the importance of this prohibition, stating that "the use of fire to eliminate agricultural and forestry waste is strictly prohibited starting November 1. If smoke is spotted, it must be reported to CONAF's emergency line at 130, as it would constitute an unauthorized burn." Florido also called on the community to act as "prevention brigadiers," highlighting each citizen's responsibility in safeguarding natural resources.

Meanwhile, the Maule Regional Ministerial Secretary of Agriculture, Claudia Ramos, urged farmers to adopt alternative methods for disposing of crop residues, warning that any misuse of fire will be considered a crime and reported to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Ramos added, "We want to avoid problems and ensure these practices do not become the starting point of any wildfire."

As of October, CONAF Maule has received 1,208 burn notifications, of which 956 correspond to agricultural burns and 252 to forestry burns, affecting a total of 11,622 hectares of land. Authorities urge the public to report suspicious smoke in vegetated areas by calling CONAF's emergency hotline.

Source.El Centro