The National Service for Disaster Prevention and Response has declared a red alert in the Constitución commune, Maule Region, due to an ongoing forest fire in the San Antonio sector. The preliminary affected area has risen to 25 hectares, with atmospheric conditions expected to intensify its spread this afternoon. Firefighters and forestry teams are working hard to contain it.
The Constitución commune in Chile's Maule Region is under a red alert issued by Senapred for a forest fire raging in the San Antonio sector. A report issued around 4:30 p.m. indicates the blaze has preliminarily scorched 25 hectares. The agency warns that forecasted weather conditions could accelerate the fire's spread, particularly in the afternoon.
Local firefighters from Constitución are spearheading the containment efforts, aided by six brigades from the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) and three from the Arauco company. Operations include 13 aircraft, five skidders, and four tanker trucks deployed to battle the flames and curb its progression.
The fire is advancing at a medium speed toward the northeast, with heightened activity on its right flank due to terrain features and continuous fuel sources. Damaged areas primarily consist of pine plantations, regenerating native forest, and sclerophyll vegetation. Senapred stresses ongoing vigilance to prevent further escalation in the region.