fire brigade
TO CARE FOR THE ANDEAN PATAGONIAN FOREST IT IS CRUCIAL TO RAISE THE ALARM EARLY WHEN A FIRE BREAKS OUT, SUPPORT THE FIGHT WHEN A FOREST FIRE IS DECLARED, AND REHABILITATE THE FOREST WHEN THE EMERGENCY HAS PASSED AND WE ARE FACED WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.
For this reason, during 2022 we created our Forest Fire Prevention and Logistics Support Brigade, formed of a group of young people from the Curruhuinca, Cayún and Vera indigenous Mapuche communities. Our brigade members received a training scholarship to qualify as forest firefighters, and have undertaken courses in mechanics, technology, computer science, environmental conservation, regenerative grazing and forest care and rehabilitation.
Their theoretical and practical training culminated in their official certification as forest firefighters, and their joining our fire prevention team.
Our team, which is equipped with a donated truck fitted with firefighting equipment and a 600 litre water tank for rapid response, offers its services to a network of lodges, estancias and Mapuche communities in the area. These include:
• Patrol for early fire detection
• Rapid response and attack in the face of a reported fire
• Fire prevention through forestry techniques (fire breaks and strategic pruning)
• Fire risk map and water source surveys
• Logistical support provided to firefighting authorities
OPERATIONS BASE
AND TRAINING CENTRE
In addition, in early 2023 we started work on our Operations and Fire Monitoring Base, located in a plot of almost 8000m2 just off Ruta 237 beside Chapelco airport.
We are also aiming to create an Education and Training Centre, where members and non-members of the Fundación alike can access education on environmental matters, with a special focus on the use of technology and professional development.