Chile’s Ñuble region is expanding its wildfire prevention and investigation capabilities ahead of the 2026-27 forest fire season, with authorities focusing on improved coordination, historical fire analysis and preparedness.
The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) Ñuble outlined its mitigation plans and resource projections during a regional Committee for Disaster Risk Management (Cogrid) meeting convened by the National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response (SENAPRED).
CONAF presented analysis of previous wildfires and regional soil and fuel conditions to provide authorities with technical information to support emergency planning and decision-making.
The organization has also strengthened its wildfire prevention, mitigation and investigation teams under its Forest Fire Protection Department.
A key element is the Forest Fire Analysis and Diagnostic Unit (UAD), which now has 16 professionals dedicated to determining the origins and causes of wildfires.
CONAF said the unit’s work will help identify communities most vulnerable to wildfire and provide information that can be used to improve prevention and mitigation measures.
The expanded investigation capability is intended to give authorities a clearer understanding of where fires originate and the factors contributing to their development, supporting more targeted prevention strategies.
Domingo González, Director of CONAF Ñuble, said the organization had significantly strengthened its prevention program and would play a stronger role in the region’s civil protection strategy.
He said the Cogrid meeting was part of the mitigation and preparedness phase, adding that sharing information on previous fire behavior and local fuel conditions would be key to anticipating the wildfire threat.
The meeting was led by Ñuble Regional Presidential Delegate Diego Sepúlveda Palma, Ñuble Governor Óscar Crisóstomo Llanos and SENAPRED Ñuble Director Cristian Matus Fierro.
The preparations come as authorities across the region strengthen coordination and technical planning ahead of the period of greatest wildfire risk.
