In early February, U.S. Ambassador to Chile Bernadette Meehan delivered a second batch of assistance consisting of electric generators, firefighter boots, forestry gloves, and slaves, at a ceremony held at the headquarters of the Quilpué Fire Department in the central region of Valparaíso, Chile. The U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) and U.S. Southern Command’s (SOUTHCOM) Humanitarian Assistance Program of the Department of Defense are providing $114,000 and $117,000, respectively, in firefighting and personal protective equipment for Chile’s firefighters.
During the ceremony, Ambassador Meehan emphasized that “Chile has suffered too much in these days and the people of the United States stand with you. My compatriots are following the news about the forest fires with great concern and with the desire to help Chile during these difficult times”.
In addition to this material assistance delivered in Quilpué and to other fire departments, Ambassador Meehan announced the delivery of a $100,000 aid package through USAID/BHA, which includes humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the fires in Valparaíso.
USAID/BHA currently has 13 experts on the ground in Chile, including the regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean and the office’s wildfire response coordinator.
This U.S. support and collaboration with Chilean firefighters, first responders, and affected communities go back decades, thanks to close collaboration through training courses, exchange of experiences, and capacity building, as well as the delivery of important cutting-edge technology, tools, and equipment to effectively prevent, combat and investigate the causes of wildfires, which also involves experts from CONAF and SENAPRED.