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CMPC's Multipurpose Brigades: When Neighbors Become Active Protagonists in Rural Fire Prevention and Combat

• According to company figures, these teams have participated in 50% of the containment of fires occurring so far this season.

In the fight against rural fires, community collaboration and commitment are essential. In this regard, alongside the Community Prevention Network, CMPC's Multipurpose Brigades have stood out as an example of active citizen participation in fire prevention and combat.

These are units made up of neighbors from areas near forested zones, playing a crucial role in protecting both natural and human heritage. Equipped with 4x4 trucks, they constantly patrol various sectors and routes, conducting preventive patrols throughout the fire season.

In this case, under CMPC's support, 101 such brigades have been established. Álvaro Sáez, team leader and driver of the AMI SUR 13-1 multipurpose brigade, highlighted the work they do with his colleagues: "It’s a great responsibility to support the community in protecting homes, houses, and their lives in general (...) CMPC is always present through relationship managers, ensuring we do our job well and that people don’t take risks during emergencies."

A Broad and Crucial Role

The work of the Multipurpose Brigades goes beyond prevention, as they also protect homes in case of large-scale fires. Their presence is key to acting quickly and effectively in emergencies, providing support in fire containment as well as cleanup, reconstruction, and post-fire mitigation efforts.

Flor Epul, a manual worker from the Saavedra 13-2 team, detailed part of the brigade members' tasks, who not only control fires but also safeguard neighbors' properties. "My duties include working with the McLeod rake and assisting with the water pump, securing hoses and opening valves (...) I’m the only woman on the team, but that doesn’t make me the 'favorite.' We work side by side with our colleagues because we’re all trained to protect people, as well as prevent and control wildfires near homes," she explains.

One of the most notable aspects of these brigades is that they are composed of community members themselves, who know their surroundings perfectly. Before joining, workers undergo thorough training to acquire the necessary knowledge for fire prevention and early-stage control.

A Highly Effective Effort

The role of the Multipurpose Brigades, focused on prevention, has been highly effective. Through deterrence, they have helped reduce fire occurrences and participated in 50% of fire containment efforts this season, according to CMPC data. Their rapid intervention in the early stages of a fire has been key to preventing its spread and minimizing negative impacts.

"Involving the community in fire prevention and control is crucial to reducing the damage they cause. In this sense, the multipurpose brigades, made up of neighbors from the same areas where they operate—who know their neighborhoods and communities—have proven to be a highly effective tool in reducing both the number of fires and their damage," emphasized Ignacio Lira, CMPC's Public Affairs Manager for Forests.

Thus, CMPC's 101 Multipurpose Brigades represent a successful model of community collaboration, where joint efforts and neighbors' commitment translate into greater protection for the environment and people. Their exemplary work highlights the importance of solidarity and shared responsibility in preserving forests and ecosystems.