The devastating forest fires in central and southern Chile continued to spread. The authorities warned that due to dry weather and high temperature, more fires might occur in new areas.

Chilean pulp and wood products company Celulosa Arauco y Constantituci ó n stopped the pulp production of the Nueva Aldea plant in the Biobioo region of Chile on February 2 until further notice. Upon request, the company explained that since the forest fire had been spreading between Maule and Los R í os since February 1, it was necessary to take such measures.

There was also a fire in the wood storage area of Arauco factory in Nueva Aldea. The company explained that there was no damage to the wood processing facilities and the factory itself.

The latest news is that due to the forest fire in the region, the pulp, paper and paperboard producer Empresas CMP C has to suspend the pulp production of its three Chilean plants in recent days and weeks. CMPC announced that its industrial facilities in Bubul, Biobio and Araucania were or were not directly affected by the fire, but in order to protect employees and surrounding communities, the operation of the factory was suspended at different times.