The National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) requested the evacuation of seven sectors in the Maule commune, Maule region, due to two forest fires near populated areas. The fires have destroyed 685 hectares, and the commune remains under red alert. The alert was activated at 6 p.m. via the Emergency Alert System (SAE).
On the afternoon of Friday, December 24, Senapred activated a preventive evacuation in seven sectors of the Maule commune, in the homonymous region, due to the advance of forest fires threatening residential areas. The affected sectors are Las Canteras de Unihue, Estadio Maule, Gredas de Unihue, Ovejería Negra, Numpay, Cerro Maule, and Loteo de Don Humberto. The commune remains under a red alert due to the intensity of the incidents.
The two main hotspots are the Chacarillas fire, which has consumed 35 hectares, and the Cerro Maule fire, with 650 hectares destroyed, totaling 685 hectares affected. Both are near populated areas, prompting the evacuation order to ensure resident safety. Senapred stressed the need to leave calmly and not forget pets.
In firefighting efforts, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) reported intensive deployments. For Chacarillas, volunteers from Maule firefighters, four brigades, and one Conaf technician are involved, along with three aircraft, two skidders, and Carabineros support. Operations were temporarily reduced overnight due to visibility conditions.
The Cerro Maule fire focuses the bulk of efforts, with firefighters from communes such as Talca, San Clemente, Pelarco, San Javier, Villa Alegre, Cumpeo, and Pencahue. Six brigades and three Conaf technicians, 13 aircraft, one municipal water truck, two from Conaf, two skidders, two Senapred Maule vehicles, Senapred personnel, and Carabineros are deployed. These actions aim to contain the flames and prevent further impact on nearby communities.
