PymeMad A.G., the Guild Association of Small and Medium-Sized Wood Industries, expresses its profound dismay and solidarity in the face of the devastating forest fires affecting various communes in the Biobío and Ñuble regions, and laments the loss of human lives, the affected families, and the impact this tragedy is causing in the communities of our territory.

As a guild representing more than 100 companies in the forestry-wood sector distributed across the Maule, Biobío-Ñuble, Araucanía, and Los Ríos regions, we have first-hand knowledge of the reality of these territories and the deep connection our members maintain with their communities. Many of our partner companies and their workers are directly affected by this emergency.

Given the magnitude of this catastrophe, we urgently call upon citizens across the entire country:more than 80% of firefighting resources are concentrated in Biobío and Ñuble.It is crucial that at this critical moment no new fire outbreaks are generated in other regions. Prevention is everyone's responsibility.

PymeMad and its associated companies make available to the authorities, SENAPRED, CONAF, and the affected municipalities, our capabilities, knowledge of the territory, and contact networks to collaborate in support efforts for the affected communities. We are part of these communities and today more than ever we reaffirm our commitment to them.

We will maintain close coordination with our regional boards to actively contribute to the reconstruction of the affected communities, making available the wood, products, and productive capacity of our associated companies. We call for unity within the forestry-wood sector at this time of national emergency.