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Drones and Patrols Intensify Fire Prevention in Cerro Manquimávida

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The municipalities of Chiguayante and Hualqui are strengthening collaborative surveillance efforts in Cerro Manquimávida and Nonguén National Park to anticipate potential forest fires.

Due to seasonal weather conditions, these incidents become more frequent at this time each year. For this reason, municipal authorities from both communes have reinforced preventive monitoring in these two critical areas of the Concepción Province.

With a deployment of over 8 emergency vehicles, along with drone coverage and security personnel, the municipalities aim to consolidate surveillance along the main rural roads from Hualqui to Chiguayante.

It is worth noting that these two natural areas are consistently threatened by fire activity every summer season. In the case of Manquimávida, the challenge lies in its proximity to residential areas, while the Park faces risks due to the impact on its protected flora and fauna.

In fact, one of the recent critical episodes—quickly controlled—occurred in the first week of December, when a fire came within meters of Nonguén Park, damaging 0.4 hectares.

Daniel Carrillo, Director of Citizen Security in Chiguayante, stated, "This is a protective effort to prevent forest fires alongside our teams."

From Hualqui, Public Safety Director Óscar Sandoval affirmed, "Cerro Manquimávida unites us, and we are all committed to preventing forest fires."

Additionally, Sandoval highlighted that Hualqui recorded a 13% decrease in forest fires last year, with only 40 incidents in 2024 compared to 46 in 2023.

Local authorities emphasize the need to establish these safety measures early to maintain this downward trend.

Senapred Efforts

The National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (Senapred) confirmed coordinated work between various public and private institutions to protect this natural heritage.

Alejandro Sandoval, Director of Senapred Biobío, stated, "There is an agreement with forestry companies to share information from specialized fire lookouts deployed across the region and access their surveillance cameras to detect forest fires early using artificial intelligence."

Sandoval also praised the role of municipalities in risk management, noting their authority to design mitigation strategies and emergency plans tailored to each commune's territorial needs.

"Both municipalities (Chiguayante and Hualqui) are conducting joint patrols, coordinated with key stakeholders such as Conaf, Firefighters, Carabineros, the Investigative Police, and forestry companies operating in these areas," Sandoval affirmed.

From Conaf

Esteban Krause, Regional Director of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), emphasized the institution's priority in safeguarding national parks, reserves, and all territories within the National Protected Wilderness Areas System.

However, their work is not limited to legally protected natural heritage.

"Firefighting efforts also extend to areas recognized by communities, municipalities, and other institutions as important conservation zones due to their recreational or protective value," Krause stated.

Both authorities agree that these preventive measures require a strategic and effective intersectoral effort involving public and private entities.

"In this regard, we have worked closely with neighboring communities and the municipalities of these wilderness or recreational areas, including Chiguayante, Hualqui, and Concepción," said Conaf's Regional Director.

Regarding prevention strategies, they highlight ongoing patrols, inspections, and monitoring during this season.

Additionally, Conaf's communication efforts across various media aim to educate and raise awareness about the environmental and human damage caused by forest fires.

Source:Diario Concepción