A young woman was rescued by Carabineros using a helicopter during a forest fire in San Carlos de Apoquindo, Las Condes, which has consumed over 470 hectares. The blaze, named Plaza Sur, has prompted a yellow communal alert, though it poses no direct threat to homes. Authorities warn of smoke risks and urge avoiding activities in the area.
The Plaza Sur forest fire started on Monday, December 29, 2025, in the precordilleran sector of San Carlos de Apoquindo, Las Condes commune, in the Metropolitan Region. Updated reports indicate it has destroyed around 470 hectares of vegetation, spreading rapidly from 20 to 90 and then to 470 hectares due to high temperatures and winds, as explained by presidential delegate Gonzalo Durán: “We went from 20 to 90 and now to 470 hectares, due to temperature and wind conditions.” The fire's intensity is decreasing with falling temperatures and wind shifts, but combat efforts will last at least 48 hours with Bomberos and Conaf brigades.
Amid the emergency, a woman hiking became trapped and called Carabineros' communications center for help. Colonel Carlos Molina, subprefect of Operations for the Air Prefecture, detailed: “Following the phone call requesting assistance from a woman trapped in the fire affecting the hills of San Carlos de Apoquindo, the communications center immediately activated a helicopter equipped with a rescue crane and assisted by Special Operations Prefecture personnel.” A rescuer descended in a high-risk maneuver, saving her life; images show the woman walking on smoking ground without nearby flames.
Mayor Catalina San Martín confirmed the GOPE rescue and warned: “I want to call on people not to enter unauthorized sectors of the precordilleran trails, as they are putting their lives at risk.” Senapred regional director Miguel Muñoz stated there is no immediate risk to homes or infrastructure, though smoke could impact health in nearby areas with clinics and residences. The fire's origin is under Conaf investigation, with coordination among Bomberos, Senapred, Carabineros, the municipality, and Parque Cordillera to contain it.
