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Negligent Acts Confirmed Following Recent Forest Fires in Ñuble

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A forest fire was recorded on the night of January 1st in the commune of San Carlos, burning a total area of 10.12 hectares.

Due to the fire named "Torrecillas," a Communal Red Alert was declared after 8:30 p.m. as the flames posed an imminent threat to five homes in the Junquillos area.

Conaf personnel participated in the firefighting efforts with seven brigades, two technicians, three aircraft, and two mobile units.

Once the forest fire was under control, at 10:00 p.m., the Red Alert in the commune of San Carlos was lifted.

This incident was not the only fire that has kept crews working intensely in the region in recent days. On Thursday, starting at noon, an out-of-control grassland burn on private property near the Santa Elisa overpass, at km 405 of Route 5 South, forced the suspension of northbound traffic to allow Conaf firefighting teams to work.

In total, Conaf and Firefighters battled four fires yesterday in the region, affecting 30 hectares.

During this 2024-2025 season, the number of fires in Ñuble has reached 145, a 58% increase compared to the same period last year (92).

Regarding the affected area, this season totals 1,274.26 hectares, a 496% increase from the previous season (213.79 ha).

Human Negligence

The regional director of Conaf, Salvador Ramírez, reiterated that most of these fires have occurred due to "negligent acts," primarily from discarding cigarette butts.

"That is, irresponsible actions without any precautionary, protective, or safety measures. In the fire in the commune of Trehuaco, Antiquereo sector, a person was working with heat-generating tools, which caused sparks and ignited grasslands, burning over two hectares," said Ramírez.

Similarly, in the fire on Sunday, December 29th, on Route 5 South, "the irresponsible action of a driver caused the fire after throwing a cigarette butt," added the director.

"These actions are repetitive and have us concerned. We urge prevention and awareness that such behavior can harm our region," concluded the director.

Source: La Discusión