Red Button: Conaf Reinforces Monitoring Amid Forest Fire Risk in 6 Regions

The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) alerts the population about a significant increase in the risk of forest fires, which will reach its most critical point during the weekend, especially on Saturday, February 7th, when nearly 100 municipalities and over 2.2 million hectares will be under high-risk conditions.

This information was determined thanks to the Red Button, a tool created by Conaf, which identifies territories that will have a higher potential for the ignition and spread of forest fires.

"As our prevention campaign says: every forest fire has a first and last name. In Chile, 99.7% are caused by human action, which means practically all of them could be avoided. Let's call for responsibility: do not light fires outdoors, do not burn trash in rural areas, be cautious when using machinery that generates sparks, and take extreme care on these high-risk days. Prevention depends on each one of us," stated Conaf's executive director, Rodrigo Illesca.

Daily details:

Friday, February 6th: Significant increase in risk in the central zone, especially in O'Higgins and the Metropolitan Region, with 36 affected municipalities. Municipalities such as Santa Cruz, Melipilla, Paine, Lonquimay, and sectors of the interior valley will require special attention.

Saturday, February 7th (critical day): Nearly 100 municipalities will be under alert in the regions of Maule, Ñuble, O'Higgins, Metropolitan, Biobío, and La Araucanía.

Sunday, February 8th: Although decreasing compared to Saturday, the risk remains high in Maule and O'Higgins.

Monday, February 9th: Marked decrease in risk, although areas of concern will remain in the Metropolitan Region and O'Higgins.

Preventive actions:

Do NOT carry out any type of burning, especially between this Friday and Sunday.

Do NOT use machinery that generates sparks in areas with dry vegetation.

Do NOT light campfires or barbecues in rural or forested areas.

Postpone risky agricultural or forestry work until after Monday.

Keep the surroundings of your home clean by removing dry grasslands.

If you detect a forest fire: Call CONAF immediately at 130, indicate the exact location of the fire, do not attempt to fight it on your own, and evacuate following the instructions of the authorities.