The 2025-2026 season has been marked by positive figures, showing a decrease in both the occurrence of fires and the affected area compared to the 2024-2025 season in the Los Ríos Region.
In this context, to date, 100 forest fires have been recorded, representing a 15% decrease compared to the previous period. Likewise, the affected area reaches 70.8 hectares, a figure that is 42% less compared to the last season.
Although preventive work has been a relevant complement, these results are mainly explained by the effectiveness of the first response to initial fire outbreaks and by the absence of critical spread conditions during the current season.
Regarding spread factors, historically the largest fires in the Los Ríos Region (exceeding 200 hectares) have been associated with the simultaneity of events, the presence of Puelche wind —characterized as warm, with low relative humidity and gusts exceeding 30 km/h— and the continuity of forest plantations. During this season, these conditions have not occurred with the same intensity, which has helped limit the expansion of the fires.
This is compounded by the strengthening of the partnership with the Fire Department, who have established themselves as strategic actors in the first response, increasing their participation from 30% to 70%. This progress has enabled a more technical, timely, and specialized response in the initial firefighting efforts.
Likewise, the use of technology has been key. The detection camera network, operated by CONAF together with the company Arauco, covers about 60% of the regional area and has been responsible for 64% of timely detections, facilitating a faster and more efficient intervention.
In parallel, the work carried out by the Department of Forest Fire Protection has continued to be fundamental, especially in terms of prevention and preparation of communities and educational establishments at the regional level. Notable efforts include territorial deployment through education and awareness-raising actions, conducting workshops and training, as well as implementing preventive measures and effective inter-institutional coordination.
The Regional Director (I) of CONAF Los Ríos, Oscar Droguett, highlighted this information, adding that "within our statistics from the last forest fire season, we have had to date a total of 100 forest fires affecting approximately 70 hectares. As always, it must be said that it is not very encouraging for surface area to burn, but it should also be said that we have had 40% fewer fires per hectare affected. Along with this, we highlight the work done with prepared communities within the region to have the least impact from forest fires in the region."
This joint effort, in prevention, detection, and early response, has been key to strengthening risk management and is directly reflected in the positive figures of the current season.
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