CONAF has reported that the area impacted by forest fires in Chile’s Tarapacá region fell by nearly 80% between the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons.
The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) said the number of recorded forest fires rose slightly from 8 to 10, but the area burned dropped from 304 to 61 hectares.
The agency credited the reduction to improved coordination between public institutions involved in prevention and response.
The Technical Roundtable for Forest Fire Prevention and Mitigation, chaired by CONAF, held a meeting at SENAPRED’s regional headquarters to evaluate the past season and finalize planning for the current one, which began on July 1.
CONAF stated that the municipalities of Pica and Huara recorded the highest number of incidents during both periods.
The roundtable included representatives from national, regional, and local authorities, with discussions focused on inter-agency coordination and mitigation planning.
CONAF Regional Director Natalia Ortega said: “At CONAF, we highlight these figures as they demonstrate improved coordination in the response to this emergency affecting our rural communities.
“The Forest Fire Roundtable is an extremely important body, as it allows us to advance work that incorporates all institutions with response powers, from communal governments to the Armed Forces.”
The organization stated that early planning for 2025 was informed by lessons learned from the previous season.
Representatives agreed to continue with established coordination protocols and expand education efforts to reduce human-caused ignition sources.
The group also noted the involvement of communal authorities as central to rural response planning.
CONAF reported that the Prepared Communities initiative will continue in several areas considered at risk.
The program includes practical training in self-protection strategies for residents in Huatacondo, El Resbaladero, Quillaguasa, Mamiña, Jaiña, and Valle de Quisma.
The goal, according to CONAF, is to enable early local action in case of fire to reduce risk to people and property.
During the meeting, officials discussed monitoring the rollout of the program across the new locations.
Participation by local communities was described as key to maintaining preparedness and response capability at the rural level.
Chilean Regional Secretary of Agriculture Eduardo Justo said: “As CONAF’s motto states, preventing a forest fire is easier than fighting one, and that is why organizations like this Working Group are essential to strengthening measures that allow us to prevent these emergencies from escalating.
“Fighting a forest fire requires a significant investment of resources and often results in material losses, environmental damage, and human losses.”
The Regional Secretary of Public Security Ana María Peralta said: “We are going to reactivate the illegal burning committee and provide significant training for farmers and institutions through the Safe Reporting program.”
Peralta also highlighted the role of oversight bodies in rural fire prevention, referencing the Carabineros, Investigative Police, and Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Authorities confirmed they would focus on identifying and penalizing illegal burning activities through coordinated enforcement and public education.
The government emphasized legal compliance and community awareness to reduce risk during high-alert periods.
CONAF confirmed that burn bans have been issued ahead of the religious festival of La Tirana.
Controlled burning of agricultural waste will be prohibited from July 8 to 18 throughout Tamarugal Province.
The affected communes include Pica, Huara, Camiña, Colchane, and Pozo Almonte.
The agency said this decision is part of broader seasonal restrictions aimed at reducing fire ignition risk during peak travel and gathering periods.
CONAF added that the roundtable’s agreement included heightened patrol and monitoring during the restriction window.
The organization stated that public communication campaigns would be used to inform farmers and rural communities of the ban and its scope.
CONAF reported that forest fires in the Tarapacá region increased from 8 to 10 incidents between the 2023–2024 and 2024–2025 seasons.
The number of hectares affected decreased from 304 to 61 during the same period.
The data was presented at a meeting of the Technical Roundtable for Forest Fire Prevention and Mitigation.
The roundtable is led by CONAF and includes national and local authorities.
The organization attributed the decline in area burned to better inter-agency coordination.
Pica and Huara were identified as the most affected municipalities.
CONAF will continue the Prepared Communities program in at-risk areas.
New locations include Huatacondo, El Resbaladero, Quillaguasa, Mamiña, Jaiña, and Valle de Quisma.
Regional authorities confirmed legal and preventive measures would be strengthened.
This includes training and oversight by police and prosecutors to reduce illegal burning.
Burn restrictions will be enforced during La Tirana festival from July 8 to 18.
All burning of agricultural waste will be prohibited in Tamarugal Province during this period.
