Mexico City, January 21 - The Government of Mexico today sent a contingent consisting of 145 firefighters and specialists in fire management to assist in combating the large-scale forest fires in Chile.
According to a statement from the National Forestry Commission (Conafor), the team is made up of individuals from 24 states across the country, responding to the request for support made by the administration of the South American territory.
The agency stated that the personnel to be deployed have the necessary training, experience, and technical standards to support firefighting and fire control efforts in that nation, thereby contributing to the protection of human lives, property, and ecosystems.
It added that it maintains close coordination with the National Forestry Corporation of Chile and with authorities from both governments, which allows defining the logistical and operational aspects of the deployment within the framework of international cooperation mechanisms in this area.
"This solidarity action reaffirms the bonds of collaboration and friendship between Mexico and Chile, and also strengthens regional efforts to face emergencies arising from forest fires," the institution noted.
It reiterated Mexico’s commitment “to international cooperation, comprehensive fire management, and fraternal response to natural disasters, for the benefit of our brother countries in Latin America.”
According to the most recent report provided by Chilean authorities, at least 21 people have died, more than 20,000 have been affected, and around 800 houses have been destroyed as preliminary figures from the forest fires impacting the south-central region of the country, specifically the Ñuble and Biobío regions.
