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All-Female Forest Brigade Presented

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Highlighting the role women are playing in the prevention and combat of forest fires, the first all-female forest brigade of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) in the Metropolitan Region was presented today.

Currently, nearly 10% of the national contingent of firefighters corresponds to women, who are part of both mixed brigades and units composed exclusively of female personnel.

The activity, held in the Los Quilos sector of the commune of El Monte, was led by CONAF's executive director, Rodrigo Illesca; the provincial presidential delegate of Talagante, Stephanie Duarte; and the mayor of El Monte, Zandra Maulén. The authorities emphasized that the members of the Roble 20 forest brigade reflect the Government's commitment to more diverse, equitable, and representative management at the national level.

The brigade is composed of 5 women and is the first fully female brigade in the Metropolitan Region. It is a daytime initial attack brigade, equipped with a pickup truck with a crew cab and a 400-liter water tank for direct combat. Like the rest of CONAF's brigades, their duties include improving firebreaks, tree removal, route clearance, and direct support in the prevention and combat of forest fires.

During the activity, CONAF's executive director, Rodrigo Illesca, highlighted that "the participation and presence of women in CONAF's forest brigades becomes more important each year, establishing itself as an essential component of the national forest fire protection program, as both male and female firefighters have the same capabilities and energy to combat fires. As a Corporation, we are committed to gender equity and equality, which is also reflected in other technical areas such as the incorporation of female park rangers."

It was also reported that the Metropolitan Region will have 29 ground resources for combating forest fires during the peak occurrence period of 2025-2026, including 18 brigades (2 nocturnal), 7 water tanker trucks (2 nocturnal), 3 skidders, and 8 aerial resources, including 1 air tanker and 6 helicopters.