According to a report, 356 fires have been recorded in the area since the beginning of the 2024-2025 season, a figure higher than the entire previous period, which almost 3,800 hectares of land was burned.

According to the regional director of CONAF, Rodrigo Illesca, in the area, there are native forests of vulnerable nature, that is, species with conservation problems, such as carob trees and guayacanes, which constitute a plant heritage. Fortunately, there are no losses of human lives or infrastructure, but there are losses of vegetation, flora, and fauna.

The fight against the fire in the Colina commune continues. It is one of the most intense, and where the red alert remains, although the flames have moved away from the inhabited areas. So far, more than a thousand hectares have been consumed and six combat brigades are working on the site, supported by two helicopters and tanker planes to control the hottest spots.

The official explained that the extreme heat conditions of recent days, plus the topography and the irregularity in the direction of the wind, contributed to the rapid spread of the fire. CONAF is working with the Investigative Police to determine the exact point of origin of the flames and if there are signs of intentionality, he said.

jrr/llp/npg/car/eam