Chamber approves forest fire prevention bill, but Government announces substitute veto

The Chamber of Deputies approved the bill seeking to strengthen forest fire prevention in Chile, an initiative that has been in legislative process for three years and now faces a new scenario following the Government's announcement to present a substitute veto.

The proposal obtained 77 votes in favor, 51 against and 14 abstentions, thus advancing in its final stage of discussion. However, the Minister of Agriculture, Jaime Campos, reported that the Executive will push for modifications to the text to incorporate matters it considers necessary.

Among the proposed changes are payment and compensation mechanisms for landowners whose properties may be affected by the expropriation of strips destined for fire prevention. It also seeks to establish resource transfers to municipalities to strengthen their prevention and response capabilities for forest emergencies.

Resources and compensation

Minister Campos explained that the decision to present a substitute veto responds to the need to incorporate various observations to the bill and perfect its content before it becomes law.

The measure opens a new chapter in the processing of a regulation considered relevant for addressing forest fire risks, especially given the proximity of the summer season.

Political questioning

From the opposition, Deputy José Antonio Rivas (PS), member of the Emergency, Disasters and Firefighters Commission, called on the Government to accelerate the legislative process and guarantee the necessary resources to implement the future regulation.

The parliamentarian warned about the weather conditions forecast for the summer and the accumulation of combustible material in various territories, factors that increase concern about the occurrence of new fires.

Meanwhile, Deputy Jaime Bassa (FA), member of the Mixed Commission that reviewed the initiative, expressed his rejection of the veto announced by the Executive. In his view, this decision could delay the final approval of legislation he considers urgent.

The legislator also stated that fire prevention should be a shared responsibility between the State and landowners, and therefore called for avoiding further delays in the regulation's entry into force.