Biobío strengthens response capacity ahead of months of higher wildfire risk

With the arrival of the months of higher wildfire risk, various organizations in Biobío are strengthening their preparation and training to respond to emergencies that could affect homes, infrastructure, and communities.

In Los Ángeles, firefighters are advancing in the training of their volunteers, while in Salto del Laja, Brisal maintains a structure built from within the community itself.

In the case of the Los Ángeles Fire Department, 24 volunteers recently completed an academic process with a 100% pass rate. Of that group, five also completed their professional curriculum, a result that was praised by the institution's commander, Rodrigo Godoy Villagrán.

"This fills us with great pride and satisfaction as well, because among those 24 volunteers, five have completed their professional curriculum, which satisfies and greatly honors us," he stated.

The officer highlighted that continuous improvement is an ongoing task and that the results achieved allow progress in the professionalization of the institution. "Let's keep moving forward, we have a long road ahead to professionalize the Los Ángeles Fire Department," he affirmed.

A CAPACITY BORN FROM THE COMMUNITY

In Salto del Laja, the response has a different origin. The Salto del Laja Emergency Brigade "Jorge Berthet," Brisal, emerged after the fire that destroyed the "El Parroncito" venue in 2019. The incident led local residents to organize themselves to reduce response times for fires and rescues, considering the distance from emergency stations.

The group was formalized in 2020 and has since gathered equipment and training to carry out its functions.

That effort becomes especially valuable where distance and the conditions of the territory can hinder the immediate arrival of specialized teams.

The brigade's location is especially relevant due to the presence of residents, tourist activity, and the constant flow of vehicles along Route 5 South.

The organization has stated that its work is preventive and complementary, without replacing the functions of the Fire Department.

The experience has also been put to the test in emergencies. During March, members of Brisal participated in fighting a wildfire and grassland fire recorded in the Los Molinos sector, alongside teams from Conaf, Los Ángeles firefighters, a brigade from a forestry company, and other units.

THE SUPPORT THAT SUSTAINS THE RESPONSE

Maintaining these capabilities requires resources. Therefore, organizations turn to activities aimed at gathering support among their communities.

The Third Fire Company of Los Ángeles will hold the Folk Peña "Between Helmets and Guitars" this Saturday, August 29, starting at 8:00 PM, in the halls of the El Buen Pastor Parish.

General admission will cost 10,000 pesos, while children up to 12 years old may enter for free.

In Salto del Laja, Brisal will hold a benefit bingo on September 5, starting at 7:00 PM, at the Tusal field.

Both activities show a less visible dimension of emergency preparedness: sustaining organizations year-round that must have people, equipment, and knowledge ready when a critical situation requires it.

CONAF PREPARES ITS CONTINGENT

Added to this scenario is the work of Conaf, which has an open process to incorporate personnel into its brigades for the 2026-2027 season.

For Biobío, 336 positions are planned, corresponding to brigade chiefs, crew chiefs, chainsaw operators, and brigade members. Applicants must go through background checks, physical, technical, and psycho-occupational evaluations, as well as a subsequent stage of specialized training.

The regional director of Conaf, Álvaro González, highlighted the responsibility associated with these tasks and the sense of service involved in participating in firefighting. "This is another way of serving the homeland, defending biodiversity, defending forests, defending protected wilderness areas," he stated. Thus, facing the next critical period, the region has different structures and functions. While Conaf prepares its contingent, the Fire Department strengthens the training of its volunteers, and Brisal maintains a capacity built from the territory.

They are different paths, but they converge on the same need: having prepared people and available resources when fire threatens communities.

Source:La Tribuna