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Every summer, we face the painful reality of wildfires, a threat that not only consumes thousands of hectares of forest, but also destroys entire communities, claiming lives and leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. This year, the Valparaíso Region witnessed one of the most catastrophic fires in the history of our country, with consequences that force us to reflect on how to prevent and confront this growing challenge.
The fire that started on February 2 in the Lago Peñuelas National Reserve devastated more than 43,000 hectares, destroying more than three thousand homes in communes such as Quilpué, Villa Alemana and Viña del Mar, and claiming the lives of 132 people, according to official figures. . These events are a somber reminder of the urgency of addressing the issue of wildfires comprehensively and effectively.
To understand the magnitude of this challenge, it is crucial to understand what wildfires are. According to the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), a forest fire is a fire that spreads uncontrollably in rural areas, affecting woody, shrubby or herbaceous vegetation, regardless of its origin. However, in Chile, 99.7% of these fires are caused by human action, whether due to carelessness, negligence or even intentionality.
The alarming increase in forest fires in our country, especially in regions such as Valparaíso and Araucanía, is a cause for concern. From the 1963-1964 summer season to the 2022-2023 season, the number of fires has increased significantly, from 435 to 6,982, with an affected area of more than 429 thousand hectares.
Behind this escalation of fires is a combination of factors, ranging from changes in land use to extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change. The presence of combustible material, human ignition and environmental conditions play a crucial role in the occurrence and spread of fires.
However, human intervention can also be part of the solution. Initiatives such as the Maipo Resiliente project, which seeks to mitigate the risk of fires in the Maipo River basin, are examples of how we can work to prevent and combat these disasters. Furthermore, it is essential to rethink landscape design, prioritizing the conservation and restoration of native forests over monocultures of highly fuel species.
Education and awareness play a fundamental role in fire prevention, especially in urban-rural interface areas where the risk is highest. It is necessary to promote a culture of prevention and resilience, as well as implement regulatory measures that discourage dangerous practices, such as the use of fire to change land use.
Ultimately, addressing the wildfire crisis requires a comprehensive approach that combines government action, collaboration between diverse actors and the commitment of the entire society. Only by working together can we protect our forests, our communities and our future from this growing threat.