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Its Sixth Season Will Be Fulfilled by Forest Brigade Deployed in the Antarctic Province

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The "Lenga-12" forest brigade is completing its sixth consecutive season deployed in the city of Puerto Williams, following its inception in the 2019-2020 period. Unlike previous years, the team of eight brigade members includes two first aid responders, two chainsaw operators, and two pump operators, working in alternating shifts. They are joined by a squad leader with experience in fighting forest fires.

The provincial presidential delegate of the Chilean Antarctic, Constanza Calisto Gallardo, held a meeting with members of the "Lenga-12" forest brigade to coordinate prevention and firefighting actions in the southern region.

Calisto highlighted that for the 2024-2025 season, the government of President Gabriel Boric has allocated 156 billion pesos for the Prevention, Mitigation, and Control of Fires Plan, representing an increase of 8 billion pesos compared to the previous period.

Both the delegate and the head of the Cape Horn District of the Department of Forest Fire Protection, César Lobos, emphasized progress in strengthening ties with their counterparts in Ushuaia to foster joint efforts in case of emergencies on both sides of the Beagle Channel. This comes especially after the reopening of the Puerto Navarino ramp for international maritime crossings, facilitating faster personnel transfers during emergencies.

One of the new members starting work in the brigade is Andrea Seguel. After her relatives were part of the organization in previous seasons, the member of the Yagán Indigenous Community of Bahía Mejillones applied and was selected. "Although forest fires are not common on the island, we must always be prepared for them, for any situation," she mentioned.

Meanwhile, Maite Morales learned about the applications during a talk given at the Liceo Donald Mc Intyre Griffiths. What caught her attention the most was learning about first aid in the context of these emergencies, which is why she wanted to be part of the brigade.

Source:La Prensa Austral