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Municipality of Penco Launches Forest Safety Plan with Firebreaks

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The Municipality of Penco has launched the Forest Safety Plan: Firebreaks in Penco’s Inter-Zones, a key initiative for wildfire prevention in the commune. With municipal investment, 1,500 linear meters of firebreaks were created. This plan aims to protect vulnerable urban and rural areas, safeguarding the safety of residents and local biodiversity.

The Biobío Region faces a high incidence of wildfires, leading national statistics in the number of incidents. According to recent data, this season alone, the region has recorded nearly 500 wildfires, surpassing other regions in the country. Historically, during seasons like 2017, Biobío reached 119,409 hectares affected by fires.

Firebreaks are strips of land cleared of vegetation that act as physical barriers to stop or slow the spread of fire, aiding control and extinguishing efforts. Their implementation is essential in urban-forest interface zones, where the proximity between inhabited areas and vegetation increases the risk of fires spreading toward homes and infrastructure.

The municipal plan includes the maintenance and reinforcement of strategic firebreaks in key sectors of the commune, such as Mirador Villa Belén, Mirador Los Pinos, Ríos de Chile, and Route 152—high-risk areas due to their closeness to residential zones and dense vegetation.

The secretary of the Santa Rosa Neighborhood Council, Jorge Flores, highlighted the importance of this measure for local residents. "For us as neighbors, this is crucial. It gives us peace of mind because we’re always worried about fires. Knowing we have this service makes us feel secure. It’s also important to acknowledge the municipality’s commitment to the community."

Resident Nancy Torres praised the swift execution of the work. "Seeing the machinery in action was impressive. I’m very happy because they’re helping us, and the Municipality responded immediately. Now it’s our turn as neighbors to do our part—clearing the surroundings and staying prepared. A fire doesn’t just affect one house; it can destroy an entire neighborhood. We must collaborate and stay united."

Mayor Rodrigo Vera explained that the plan is executed annually by the Municipality of Penco’s Cleaning and Beautification Department, ensuring coordinated and efficient action to reduce fire risks in the commune. "For us, it’s very important, during this high-risk wildfire season, to have preventive firebreak measures in place. We’re working with eight crews and machinery, which is essential. Our priority is wildfire prevention, and alongside firebreak implementation, keeping the community informed. Preventing wildfires is everyone’s responsibility, and the people of Penco are informed and prepared to respond to any fire emergency."

The municipal team deployed consists of eight crews of four people each, supported by heavy machinery, including an excavator, a front loader, and a dump truck for removing branches and flammable material.

The Forest Safety Plan is part of a long-term municipal strategy and involves collaboration with CONAF, forestry and private companies, the local community, and emergency organizations. The maintenance and updating of firebreaks have been scheduled in coordination with relevant authorities, ensuring effective wildfire prevention.

Mayor Rodrigo Vera emphasized the importance of this measure: "Wildfire prevention is a priority for our administration. With these firebreaks, we reinforce our neighbors’ safety and minimize risks in critical areas. This effort not only protects our community but also preserves Penco’s natural environment."

The municipality invites citizens to support these measures by respecting firebreak zones and reporting any irregularities that may compromise their effectiveness.