In December of last year, began the twelfth annual operating with the that the partner companies of SPF to protect their forests together.

For this summer, the protected area is 948.726 hectares, distributed in 16 departments and covering 89% of the planted forests.

How the greatest chance of success to a focus of fire given when the same is small, which occurs in the first moments, it seeks an immediate detection and a response in the shortest possible time, for the events that affect or threaten the more than 3,600 grounds, that voluntarily participate and fund the mechanism.

The annual cost, will reach nearly USD 4.5 million, which will be paid by the companies in proportion to the area they possess.

The foci are detected by various mechanisms, being the main source 65 cameras covering 79% of the protected area, detecting foci of permanent way, based on mechanisms of artificial intelligence, and the planes hired specifically for that task.

The mechanism of first response consists of three Brigades Helitransportadas, supplemented in some areas and for some companies (that are hired directly), with four combat aircraft, supported by 3 planes of coordination, operating from 45 groomed slopes and water available.

The management of both the detection and the response and mobilization of resources, which is done with personal computer systems and means of communication that operate from the Central Monitoring and Dispatch Martin Sosa Days, located in the city of Durazno.

Logistical problems delayed again the arrival of the helicopters, which are intended to be assets on the first of December, but that had completed the deployment until December 19.

The atmospheric conditions have been more stringent than the two summers prior, which has been reflected in the number of foci detected as in the quantity of shipments of resources. Just as an example, it is enough to mention that the hours used combat helicopters are at 15/02 almost the same as in the two previous seasons combined.

As always, the vast majority of the foci originate from outside of the forests, particularly the so-called “fires of roadside”, generated by recreational activities (camping, hunting and fishing), the burning of trash or grass, the fall of overhead power lines and finally the rays, which have become an important source of ignition.

In addition to communication campaigns that are carried out, it is insisted that you must propenderse to have an attitude of careful and restrictive fire management, respecting the prohibition period of burning, which covers the period from 01 November to 30 April of each year.

Finally, it should be remembered the necessity of the immediate notice 9-1-1 in the event of detection of any focus, and to the areas and people linked to the forest sector, the shipping WAPP al 098 FOREST (267783), the notice of fire, more location, and other information that it holds.