News

Puerto Montt intensifies efforts against fires: will double firebreaks

Sponsors

The first meeting of the Committee for Risk Management in Emergencies and Disasters (Cogrid) of Puerto Montt has made it clear that the city is not resting on its laurels when it comes to preventing forest fires.

With the presence of multiple organizations and entities, it has been announced that for the 2025-2026 season, the area of firebreaks will be doubled, increasing from 82,000 m² to 164,000 m², in an effort to maintain and improve the results achieved last year, which saw a 97% reduction in the occurrence of fires.

Mayor Rodrigo Wainraight emphasized the importance of continuing with the record figures achieved and revealed plans to strengthen video surveillance in critical areas. Claudio Díaz, in charge of Disaster and Emergency Risk Management, highlighted the success of the measures implemented last summer, which not only met but exceeded the proposed goals.

Jaime Garrido, from Conaf, stressed the need for effective coordination among institutions, especially in the face of a dry summer forecast for the Los Lagos Region. The anticipation of adverse weather conditions, with decreasing rainfall and rising temperatures, makes joint and proactive work imperative.

Fernando Orellana, municipal administrator, emphasized the importance of sharing information and strategies not only with institutions but also with the private sector, seeking a partnership that ensures community safety. Forty-five critical points were identified, including the Alerce-Puerto Montt axis, and the future inclusion of the State Railway Company (EFE) and the Housing and Urbanization Service (Serviu) in Cogrid's coordination for preventive interventions was announced.

Puerto Montt's initiative is an example of how planning and inter-institutional cooperation can be key in preventing natural disasters, and it is hoped that these measures can serve as a model for other regions in the country.