News

Director of Conaf Warns of "Very Complex Conditions" Regarding Wildfires

Sponsors

The executive director of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Aida Baldini, urged people to recognize that Chile is not only a seismic country but also "an extremely wildfire-susceptible nation."

In an interview with Radio ADN, Baldini also warned of an upcoming period with "very complex conditions" in this regard, urging the public to be especially cautious and responsible.

"Very complex conditions are coming for the country starting Sunday onward," stated the head of Conaf, referring to the heatwave alert forecasted for the final days of the year.

"All the conditions are present, as you say, the 30-30-30 rule. The truth is that even with winds of 20 kilometers per hour, the scenario becomes quite challenging," she explained.

In this context, she emphasized that "wind is one of the most influential factors, but none of the areas from Valparaíso to Biobío should be overlooked—the entire zone, including the coast and the foothills."

Regarding wildfire care and prevention, Baldini noted that "when our homes aren’t completely clear of twigs and leaves that accumulate on roofs, even a tiny ember can set a house ablaze, unlike if it were clean."

She also recommended "clearing all dry grass around homes and pruning trees, because if a fire were to occur under those conditions, it would give us and firefighters a chance to save that home."

Concerning rural areas, the Conaf director pointed out that the institution has a "risk map" identifying areas needing protection and heightened prevention measures due to their proximity to populated zones.

"That’s where fires start," she stressed, reiterating that "99.9% of wildfires are caused by people, for various reasons. The leading cause is negligence, which is why we’re making this call for prevention."

"We must be aware that Chile is not only a seismic country—Chile is an extremely wildfire-susceptible nation," Baldini emphasized.

FIRE IN LITUECHE

Regarding the fire affecting a sector of the Litueche commune in the O’Higgins Region, Conaf’s executive director confirmed that the blaze has consumed 580 hectares and destroyed six homes.

"The Cusco fire in Litueche has been the most complex, but we hope to contain it today using prescribed burning techniques and retardant lines," she explained.

Weather conditions and wind gusts of up to 40 kilometers per hour have made firefighting efforts in the area difficult.

"Wind is the most influential factor. We urge the public to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities that could generate sparks, such as burning or using spark-producing tools," she stated.

Meanwhile, three people were arrested in Pichidegua for their alleged involvement in starting the fire. According to Baldini, Conaf is collaborating with the Prosecutor’s Office in these investigations.

Source:La Nacion