"We work very hard on prevention": explaining efforts prior to the wildfire season

Wildfire prevention does not begin with the arrival of high temperatures or when an emergency occurs. Much of this work takes place during the autumn and winter months, a period in which tasks aimed at reducing risks and preparing the resources that will be used during the following summer season are carried out.

This was explained to Diario La Tribuna by Cristian Obreque, deputy manager of analysis and planning at CMPC, who addressed the actions the company undertakes throughout much of the year to better face the upcoming wildfire season.

The statements were made during a visit to the company's facilities in Los Ángeles, where representatives from different areas shared part of the work carried out in both forest research and fire protection.

The activity included a tour of facilities located in the CMPC corporate building, on Pedro Stark Avenue 100, where the Research and Development Center (R&D) and the fire control room operate, a department where forest emergencies are monitored and ground and air resources are coordinated for prevention and combat.

Although we are in autumn, how is CMPC preparing for the next wildfire season?

—In some cases, there is a perception that we work less in winter. The truth is that during winter we work very hard on the prevention plan, creating conditions so that during summer the seasons are, from a safety and efficiency standpoint, much better for our firefighters. That is important to mention. Firefighters are the ones who put out the fires; aircraft, infrastructure, runways, and logistics are complementary support to what the firefighter does, and that is our focus during each winter season.

What specific tasks are carried out during this period?

—We work strongly on reducing the load of waste or fuel generated by forestry operations. We handle work focused on technical burns, called technical fire use, and this allows us to lower that risk and danger condition of fires.

How is work done to protect communities near forest areas?

—In addition to fuel reduction and technical fire use tasks, we work on firebreak measures. These are actions that also allow us to protect the community from a fire that could spread toward populated areas. This work is part of the preventive planning carried out during winter and aims to create better conditions to face a potential emergency during the fire season.

What role does technology currently play in this preparation?

—That is a key point. The technology we have today requires practically custom work. Normally, these technologies are aimed at other realities, such as the United States or Spain, which require a design for Chile and, above all, for CMPC's needs.

This work is being carried out from a meteorological perspective, with remote sensing cameras, fire simulators, and optimizers for decision-making.

What role does technology currently play in this preparation?

—That is a key point. The technology we have today requires practically custom work. Normally, these technologies are aimed at other realities, such as the United States or Spain, which require a design for Chile and, above all, for CMPC's needs.

This work is being carried out from a meteorological perspective, with remote sensing cameras, fire simulators, and optimizers for decision-making.

Before the fire season: Reduction of plant fuel in forest properties.

1. Application of technical fire to reduce risks.
2. Construction and maintenance of firebreaks.
3. Use of technology for monitoring and decision support.
4. Preparation of resources to face future forest emergencies.

Source:La Tribuna