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Chile Launches Mega Firebreak Operation to Combat Forest Fires

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In an unprecedented response to the constant threat of forest fires exacerbated by climate change, Chile has launched an ambitious national firebreak plan. The Ministers of Public Works and Agriculture, Jessica López and Ignacia Fernández, along with other high-ranking officials, announced the execution of 4,893 km of firebreaks across the country, aiming to prevent and mitigate the devastating effects of fires on communities and ecosystems.

To date, 1,321 km of firebreaks have been completed, with work extending from Tarapacá to Magallanes. This joint effort involves over a thousand officials from the Road Directorate of the Ministry of Public Works and adds to the clearing of strips along 27 concessioned routes, covering another 3,180 km.

Minister López highlighted the importance of prevention and the government's commitment to safety and resilience in the face of climate change. Meanwhile, Minister Fernández emphasized that the National Firebreak Plan is just one of the multiple prevention measures being implemented, including community education and preparedness, as well as strengthening the investigation into the causes of fires.

Rodrigo Illesca, national director of CONAF, noted that most fires in Chile are caused by human action, whether through negligence or intentionally, and stressed the importance of prevention. In case of suspected fire, the alert number is CONAF's 130.

The actions of the National Firebreak Plan are carried out in spring-summer, before the critical fire season, and are supported by 974 vehicles and machinery from the MOP. Additionally, each region has a Road Coordinator in contact with CONAF and local authorities.

As complementary measures, the MOP has implemented the "National Helicopter Landing Points Plan" (PPH), with 100 new points across the country, of which about 30 will directly support CONAF in firefighting.

This plan is part of the Strategy for Strengthening Forest Fire Management 2025-2026, which includes 107 coordinated measures since May and presented in August, showing progress in committed actions to prevent and manage fires in a timely manner.