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Hualqui Neighbors Conduct the First Wildfire Drill in the Municipality

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In the El Maitén area, located about 20 kilometers from the center of Hualqui, residents simulated an evacuation in response to a wildfire, making it the first exercise of its kind in the municipality.

Following the call to the Fire Department and the Arauco fire center, people living in the area, including the elderly, children, and pets, began arriving at the temporary meeting point, which allows them to gather and await instructions from experts.

Responding to the simulated wildfire emergency were the Hualqui municipal risk management unit, Fire Department, Carabineros, Conaf, brigades from Arauco and CMPC companies, the health service, and the community. Within their roles in the Unified Command System, they acted as conditions warranted, whether by dispatching resources, tracking the progress of the (simulated) fire, checking the health status of residents, among other aspects of an emergency.

The objective of this drill was to evaluate each participant's role, their strengths, and areas for improvement.

Unity of Organizations

Patricio Seguel, Risk Management Officer for the municipality, stated that this drill helps prepare communities. "We were overdue for this type of drill. In El Maitén, there are many risks of house fires and interface fires, so we are taking a major step in educating and preparing neighbors for emergencies."

The expert highlighted the high participation of residents and technical organizations. "We have seen Carabineros, Firefighters, forestry companies, Conaf, and the Prevention Network united, which enables collaborative work. There is room for improvement, but this is a significant step toward that goal."

This drill was organized by the Community Prevention Network, an entity that works year-round with neighbors on fire prevention. Its coordinator, Felipe Reyes, thanked the neighbors for their willingness and noted that they followed emergency instructions, and after an hour of simulated firefighting, they were ordered to return home. "The main weakness is that we are 20 km from the city center, and the main strength is the neighbors who evacuated to the designated emergency location with the necessary kits."

Sandra Oyarzo, President of the Communal Union and the El Maitén Neighborhood Council, valued the commitment of all actors involved in this exercise "because this way we become aware of the impact caused by fires and prepare ourselves. I saw an elderly person who lives alone arrive, neighbors with their babies and children, so this is the first drill in the rural area and in Hualqui," she added.

Luis Valenzuela from Conaf, Technical Advisor for the Concepción Province, stated that this drill "allows neighbors to strengthen their organization and plan to safeguard and protect their lives in the event of a fire."