Conaf Clears the Air: Debunking Opposition’s Accusations of Controlled Burns Before Megafire Outbreak
In the wake of a devastating megafire that ravaged a region, the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) has found itself at the center of a heated debate. Opposition lawmakers have accused the agency of conducting controlled burns in the area just before the fire broke out, but Conaf has now stepped forward to set the record straight.
Conaf Responds to Allegations
The accusations were initially raised by Andrés Celis, a member of the opposition party RN, during a special commission investigating the fires. Celis claimed that Conaf had carried out controlled burns in the Peñuelas sector during the summer season, just prior to the outbreak of the tragedy.
In response, Conaf issued a statement clarifying the timeline and location of their operations. The agency stated that no controlled burns were conducted on February 2, 2024, the day the megafire began. Instead, the controlled burn exercises were carried out between January 26 and 30, in the Fundo Las Cenizas area of Valparaíso.
Conaf’s Preparedness and Expertise
Conaf further emphasized that their controlled burn operations were conducted with the support of specialized personnel from the United States Forest Service, as well as their own technical experts and firefighting brigades. The agency also had first-response equipment provided by the administration of the Fundo Las Cenizas at their disposal.
Opposition Criticism and Conaf’s Response
Despite Conaf’s clarification, the opposition continued to criticize the agency’s actions. Andrés Longton, another RN parliamentarian, argued that the explanation only worsens the situation, as controlled burns should not be conducted during high-risk fire seasons.
Conaf, however, maintains that their operations were carried out with the utmost care and in accordance with established protocols. The agency has reiterated its commitment to protecting the country’s forests and ensuring the safety of its citizens in the face of such devastating natural disasters.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding Conaf’s actions in the lead-up to the megafire outbreak has sparked a heated discussion within the political sphere. While the opposition has leveled serious accusations, Conaf has responded with a detailed timeline and explanation of its controlled burn operations. As the investigation continues, it will be crucial for all parties involved to work together to understand the root causes of the tragedy and implement measures to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future.
Keywords: Conaf, National Forestry Corporation, controlled burns, megafire, opposition, Andrés Celis, Andrés Longton, Valparaíso, forest fires, fire prevention, fire management.
