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Biobío Records 25% Fewer Wildfires This Season

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• Regional authorities report a significant decrease in the occurrence of wildfires in Biobío, highlighting the absence of affected individuals and the extension of the prevention season until May.

The Biobío region has experienced a notable decline in wildfire incidence during the current season, with 25% fewer incidents compared to the previous period and 38% below the five-year average. According to the regional director of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Rodrigo Jara, approximately 5,000 hectares have been affected, primarily in Eucalyptus and Pine plantations, as well as some agricultural crops.

The regional director of the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred), Alejandro Sandoval, emphasized that fortunately, no affected individuals or destroyed homes have been reported this year. Sandoval stressed the importance of community co-responsibility and preventing risky behaviors that could trigger wildfires.

Acting regional delegate Humberto Toro attributed the reduction in wildfires to four key factors: early preparation, effective coordination between public and private entities, the allocation of financial and human resources, and the prosecution of crimes related to intentional and negligent fires. On the latter point, he noted that negligence accounted for 40% of cases, posing an immediate challenge for the region.

The national and regional governments have contributed over $100 million in funds, in addition to providing municipalities with necessary tools and machinery for wildfire prevention. Collaboration with forestry companies and coordination by the Chilean Wood Corporation (Corma) have also been decisive factors in combating wildfires.

The wildfire prevention season will extend until May due to weather forecasts predicting a dry and hot autumn. Authorities continue urging the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with prevention measures to maintain and improve these positive outcomes.