Antuco, Mulchén and Santa Bárbara concentrate forest emergencies in Biobío

A total of five forest fires remain under monitoring by the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) in the Biobío region, according to the agency's updated report. The emergencies are distributed across the provinces of Biobío and Concepción, presenting different stages of progress and control, in a scenario considered unusual for the second half of May.

Although forest fires were also recorded in autumn in the area during 2025, the simultaneous presence of multiple active emergencies or under observation at this time of year once again raises concern among authorities and response agencies.

FIRES IN ANTUCO, MULCHÉN AND SANTA BÁRBARA

The most complex situation is concentrated in the commune of Antuco with the fire called "Alto Rucúe", which started on May 20 and is currently being fought after affecting 550 hectares.

During the last few days, brigades from Conaf and forestry companies have been working, along with aerial resources, consisting of aircraft for discharge and containment tasks.

The Antuco Fire Department reported that the fire is advancing slowly and superficially, while preventive patrols continue by volunteers and Carabineros in nearby sectors.

Likewise, the containment lines executed allowed protecting areas such as Coligual and the northwest zone of the fire.

In the province of Biobío, the fire "Los Alpes-Quillaileo" also remains under observation, in the commune of Santa Bárbara, which started on May 19 and totals 314 hectares affected.

Added to this is "Caledonia-Las Malvinas", in Mulchén, an emergency that started on May 21 and maintains 80 hectares consumed.

FIRES IN CORONEL AND LOS ÁLAMOS

On the other hand, in the province of Concepción there are two fires of lesser magnitude.

One corresponds to the so-called "Escuadrón", in Coronel, which started on May 22 and is currently under observation, whose damaged area did not reach one hectare.

The second was recorded in the Población Silva Chacón sector, in the commune of Los Álamos, which started on May 18 and is already extinguished, after affecting one hectare.

Source:La Tribuna