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The Power of Community: Neighbors Achieve 17% Reduction in Wildfires in Their Territories, While the Country Saw a 5% Increase

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While wildfires across Chile increased by 5% in the 2024-2025 season, which ended on June 30 with over 6,200 incidents, there is a sign of hope: 494 communities in eight regions managed to reduce wildfire occurrences by 17%, thanks to organization, commitment, and collaborative efforts.

These communities are part of the Community Prevention Network, an initiative born after the mega-fires of 2017 to protect those living in urban-rural interface zones. Today, over 6,000 neighbors across 96 municipalities and 17 provinces are actively working to reduce risks.

Concrete Results

During the last season, nearly 6,000 risks were identified, with 88% mitigated; 265 communities had no wildfires, and another 192 faced only one to three incidents.

Since its creation, the Network has achieved a cumulative 61% reduction in wildfire occurrences, maintaining five consecutive seasons of decline.

The model works through comprehensive training, vegetation clearing, safe fire use, and emergency preparedness. Each community is supported by a territorial manager and forms committees that replicate the knowledge gained.

A Growing Network

The Network isn’t stopping: an 8% growth is expected for the 2025-2026 season, surpassing 530 active communities.

This effort is made possible through collaboration among neighbors, municipalities, CONAF, firefighters, police, and companies like Arauco, CMPC, Forestal Vista Hermosa, Comaco, and FSP Latam, which contribute funding and logistics.

Inspiring Examples

The community of Colcura in Lota, Biobío Region, reduced wildfires from 18 to zero this season. Its president, Rosa Guzmán, explains: “We’ve learned and educated our neighbors. We work year-round on prevention, emphasizing cleanliness and individual actions.”

In Maule, Cauquenes, Rosario Núñez from the Tapihue committee notes they’ve had no fires for two years, “thanks to the knowledge shared by the Prevention Network.” In La Araucanía, Villa Mininco’s Gabriel Fuentealba says prevention “has kept the community safe and prepared, prioritizing children’s education.” From Ñuble, Bulnes, a neighbor in El Faro urges, “Don’t give up—stay prepared, even in winter.” In Los Ríos, Irene Barría from Camán thanks the Network and municipalities for installing “the region’s first firefighting pool, a critical need for our community.”

In places like Florida (Biobío Region), Mayor Rodrigo Montero works closely with local Network committees, stating, “Collaboration has delivered results. The Network has been key in training neighbors—today, they’re more proactive.”

“We want to keep growing. More communities, companies, even the state, should join as sponsors. This model must become a national benchmark,” says Cristóbal Palazuelos, CMPC’s Wildfire Prevention Deputy Manager.

“A 17% reduction this year—and 61% over eight years—proves prevention works. Empowering people with tools to protect their environment is the way forward,” notes wildfire expert Angeline Castillo.

Methodology

The Network works year-round with communities, guided by a manager who helps implement a methodology. Committees are trained and share knowledge. “Our goal is to protect lives. A 17% drop reflects collective effort. This year, we’ll exceed 530 communities,” adds Myriam Mellado, Community Prevention Network’s Outreach Coordinator.