Chile: Authorities prepare for 2018-2019 wildfire season

Event

According to Chile's firefighting agency, Corporación Nacional Forestal (Conaf), the upcoming 2018-2019 fire season is expected to be more complex than the previous one, though conditions are forecast to not be as dangerous as the 2016-2017 season. Officials have begun to prepare and facilitate national coordination on public outreach efforts to encourage offsetting flammable materials from buildings, expedite emergency access to roads, vegetation management at urban-forest zones, and increased coordination between regional firefighting agencies. In addition, two of the world's largest firefighting helicopters will be stationed in Biobío region and Maule region to assist with efforts.

Context

Chile frequently experiences wildfires during its summer months, particularly in central and south-central Chile. The country is seeking to prevent a repeat of January 2017 wildfire disaster, which killed 11 people and destroyed a town.

Advice

Individuals in Chile are advised to stay abreast of weather and wildfire updates, have emergency and evacuation plans in place, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders).