The “711-Rucue” wildfire in Antuco, Biobío Region, has burned 486 hectares and keeps the yellow alert issued by Senapred in place. Emergency teams continue working on site with support from firefighters and forestry brigades.
The blaze has been active since May 20. On Thursday, May 21, the Biobío regional office of Senapred decided to keep the yellow alert in the commune that had been issued the previous evening.
On the ground, firefighters from Antuco, Quilleco and Huepi are deployed along with one brigade, one skidder and three technicians from Conaf, one brigade from CMPC and two brigades from Arauco. Carabineros provide support with two vans and three motorcycles.
Biobío Conaf regional director Álvaro González said “gracias a dios no tenemos casas afectadas, no tenemos que lamentar daños a la vida humana tampoco”. He added that weather conditions, with lower temperatures and a Puelche wind that has shifted, are aiding efforts and could allow full extinguishment of the flames on Friday with additional resources.
The Víctor Ríos Ruiz shelter, with capacity for 36 people, was opened. The latest report indicates three individuals are staying at the parish hall and 12 people have been evacuated.
