Conaf's Reorganization Ahead of a New Wildfire Season

Under the leadership of Aida Baldini, who will complete three months as national director on December 23—a period during which she has mandated various changes—the corporation is strengthening wildfire prevention with new technologies and stricter filters for firefighters to avoid a tragedy like February's mega-fire.

Prevention and technology. That is part of the focus the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) has adopted as a core strategy since September 23, when forestry engineer Aida Baldini took over as the new national director following Christian Little's resignation. According to insiders, this shift was necessary, especially to prevent a repeat of February's tragedy in the Valparaíso region, which left over 130 dead and three municipalities affected. Moreover, it was among the requirements President Gabriel Boric assigned to this new administration.

The strategy is already evident nearly three months into her tenure. This includes a renewed team and a new Forest Fire Protection Manager, who took office on October 1, replacing Pablo Lobos, who had held the position since April 2017. The new manager is forestry engineer Jorge Saavedra, previously head of the Development and Research Department since 2018.

Saavedra, as noted within Conaf, was chosen for his expertise in new technologies and their potential to educate the public, as well as prevent disasters and fire outbreaks.

New Technologies

Tools that the national director herself introduced in October, consisting of 13 new technologies for early fire detection, developed through multiple partnerships with research centers and private entities. For instance, Saavedra explains to *La Tercera* that one such tool is the "Red Button" software, which helps assess variables that could influence wildfires nationwide to prevent their spread, along with fire simulation and analysis tools.

Additionally, AI-powered remote sensing cameras are being installed in select regions as prototypes to detect smoke or fire outbreaks before expanding nationwide. According to Conaf, this is possible due to increased funding.

"Last year, we secured a very significant budget increase for Conaf. This year, we consolidated that budget and are also implementing a major increase in Senapred's funding. We will allocate a historic amount of over $156 billion to wildfire response," President Boric stated at the time.

But Baldini's approach isn't limited to new tools—it also involves stricter vetting for firefighters involved in prevention and firefighting efforts.

This follows revelations that Conaf firefighters were involved in February's mega-fire. Two weeks ago, three more were arrested—two active firefighters and a former employee.

Baldini clarified that the accused had passed the psychological exams required by the institution. As a result, Conaf is collaborating with experts and firefighters to improve these tests, ensuring they identify potential risks beyond just pathologies, as current tests fail to detect personal motives. "Some systems remain vulnerable," she lamented.

Additionally, Conaf is considering changes to firefighters' labor statutes, eliminating overtime opportunities—which allegedly motivated the accused to start fires. Insiders also reveal Baldini's initiative to "professionalize" firefighters, transitioning them from seasonal (November to March) to permanent roles. The specifics remain under discussion.

This would ensure continuity, deeper familiarity with personnel, better training in firefighting and prevention, and stable resources.

Source:La Tercera