The National Service for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Senapred) declared a red alert in Combarbalá commune, Coquimbo Region, due to a wildfire threatening nearby homes. The fire, driven by strong winds, consumed 1.3 hectares in the Mal Paso sector. Later, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) reported the incident was controlled with no injuries.
In the afternoon of Monday, November 17, 2025, Senapred activated a red alert for Combarbalá following the start of a wildfire in the Mal Paso sector, near San Marcos. According to Conaf, the incident affected 1.3 hectares and posed a risk to nearby homes due to strong winds in the area.
Efforts to combat the flames involved the El Palqui Fire Department from Monte Patria, the Combarbalá Fire Department, two Conaf brigades, one technician, and two Conaf trucks. As a preventive measure, Ruta D-55 was closed between San Marcos and Chañaral Alto, advising drivers to use Ruta D-605 between Combarbalá and Ovalle.
The red alert, declared in coordination with the Regional Presidential Delegation of Coquimbo, aims to mobilize additional resources from Conaf, Fire Departments, and the National System for Prevention and Response to Disasters (Sinapred) to control the situation given its extent and severity.
Hours later, Conaf updated that the fire was controlled, with no reports of injured or affected people. The total burned area remained at 1.3 hectares, and no major property damage was mentioned.