CHILE – The massive wildfires if the recent days in the Regions of Biobio and Maule in central Chile have affected Arauco’s forests and one of its mills. 

In the region Arauco has approximately 80,000 hectares of plantations, of which in the Company’s preliminary assessments, 25,000 hectares have been compromised by the fires. But only when the conditions allow for proper evaluation will the actual degree of affectation be able to de determined. Arauco also informed that the El Cruce mill, owned by its subsidiary Maderas Arauco S.A. was seriously compromised by the wildfires. The forest plantations, as well as the mill, have insurance policies that cover material fire events.

“Arauco specially thanks firefighters, fire combat brigades, external companies and its own personnel who have indefatigably worked since last week in the different fronts: in the fire combat in our properties, in the protection of the villages nearby our operations and, fundamentally, in third party properties, which represent 70% of our company’s fire combat efforts,” stated the company.

Adding, “Arauco deeply regrets these fire events. Thus, Arauco is contributing with all of its resources and experience so this situation can be controlled as soon as possible, always prioritizing people’s safety and security. Finally, Arauco reiterates its call in order to prevent forest fires and asks anyone who has information regarding criminal actions that could have originated these serious events to report them to the corresponding authorities. This task concerns all of us.”