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Red Alert in Bío Bío: Forest Fires Threaten the Region

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The presidential delegate of the Biobío region, Eduardo Pacheco, announced the declaration of a Regional Red Alert due to the series of forest fires severely affecting the area. The measure aims to mobilize all necessary resources to address the emergency, which has already led to evacuations and power outages in several communes.

The fires have prompted the intervention of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Firefighters, and the National Disaster Prevention and Response System (Senapred), who are working tirelessly to control the flames. In the commune of Mulchén, the fire labeled "855 – Las Mercedes" has consumed approximately 50 hectares and is being fought by 4 Conaf brigades, supported by aircraft and a helicopter.

In Tucapel, the fire labeled "852 – HJ.HUACHA L.1" is also being addressed by 4 Conaf aircraft and a tanker plane. Pacheco, in conversation with La Radio, reported that there are currently 7 fires being battled and 2 hotspots under evaluation, including those in Santa Juana, Tucapel, Mulchén, San Rosendo, Los Ángeles, and Hualqui.

Weather conditions, with strong winds and high temperatures, have complicated containment efforts. Senapred has requested the evacuation of affected areas, such as the La Generala sector in Santa Juana, where flames threaten forested zones.

The situation is critical in the regions of Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Ríos, with at least eight communes under red alert. The localities of Padre las Casas, Freire, Gorbea, Traiguén, Galvarino, Mulchén, Tirúa, and Paillaco are facing fires exacerbated by wind. Several communities have had to be evacuated, including sectors of Freire, Gorbea, Traiguén, Ercilla, and Santa Juana.

The most concerning emergency is reported in Mulchén and Victoria, where the fire has affected over 200 hectares. Regional authorities are conducting a Cogrid to assess and manage the situation.

Chile's Meteorological Directorate has issued warnings for winds that could reach gusts of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour, as well as high temperatures in the foothill sectors of Los Ríos and La Araucanía, which could further aggravate the fires.