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Three CMPC Firefighters Die in Los Sauces Wildfire: Blaze Has Already Consumed 400 Hectares

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Three firefighters died while working to combat a wildfire in the La Araucanía region. Nine other crew members sustained injuries of varying severity.

According to confirmed information from Radio Bío Bío in Temuco, the victims were members of the private company CMPC's firefighting teams battling a fire in the commune of Los Sauces, located in the Malleco province. One of them was a volunteer from the 2nd Fire Company of Yumbel Station in the commune of Yumbel, Bío Bío region.

Of the nine injured, at least one was transferred to the Mauricio Heyermann Hospital in the commune of Angol, while the remaining eight are receiving medical care at a CESFAM (Family Health Center) in Los Sauces.

In total, as reported by La Radio, the flames have already consumed over 400 hectares of vegetation and forest. In fact, a Red Alert was declared for the commune on Sunday afternoon due to the wildfire.

The fire remains uncontrolled and has forced the evacuation of families from various sectors.

Specifically, the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED) has activated the SAE messaging system to request the evacuation of the Romulhueco, Nininco, and Nahuelbe sectors in the commune of Los Sauces.

Early this Monday, a Disaster Risk Management Committee (COGRID) will convene in Los Sauces to define, among authorities and response agencies, the best way to address the emergency.

Municipality Extends Condolences

Through a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Municipality of Los Sauces expressed condolences to the families of the three firefighters who lost their lives battling the blaze.

"The Municipality of Los Sauces regrets to inform the community about the tragic death of three brave forest firefighters who lost their lives while combating the fires affecting our commune," reads the first part of the statement.

It adds, "These heroes, whose dedication and bravery are unmatched, sacrificed their lives in an effort to protect our community and our natural resources. Their names will be remembered with honor and gratitude for their service and commitment."

In this regard, they stated, "In these moments of grief, we extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased firefighters. The Municipality of Los Sauces is committed to providing all necessary support to the affected families and honoring the memory of these brave men."

Finally, the municipality called on the community "to unite in solidarity and mutual support during this difficult period. The safety and well-being of our citizens remain our top priority, and we will continue working tirelessly to control and extinguish the fires threatening our commune."

Personnel from the Army, Firefighters, CONAF (National Forestry Corporation), and the Municipality of Los Sauces were deployed to the scene.

Earlier on Sunday, CMPC had reported that its wildfire-fighting efforts were focused precisely on the La Araucanía region, where the private company deployed over 120 firefighters and several aircraft to combat the blaze.

Source:BiobioChile