In January 2024, a lightning strike caused forest fires to break out in two areas of Lonquimay commune, Chile, within both the Araucaria Biosphere Reserve and the Kütralkura UNESCO World Geopark. These fires were unusual in the rate at which they spread and unexpected in that they occurred right at the beginning of the annual fire season. In March 2024, RRF granted US$38,840 to the Municipality of Lonquimay to fight the fires in the short-term and build capacity for longer-term fire management. Despite having evolved to be fire adapted, ecosystems in this region and the organisations responsible for managing them are increasingly struggling with intense megafires due to the impacts of climate change and increasing levels of deforestation. 

 The area is characterised by steppe ecosystem home to ancient Araucaria araucana stands, with individual trees estimated to be older than 1000 years old. A. araucana, also known as the monkey-puzzle tree, is both ecologically significant as an evolutionary remnant species and an important ethno-botanical species, whose seeds have historically been used by the local Pehuenche people as a source of food. These forests also host a rich diversity of amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The wildfires not only threatened the unique ecosystem and species, but also the homes of local communities. 

Planned activities include the expansion of fire breaks in strategic places, installation of water pumps close to local homes, constant monitoring to inform firefighting teams on the ground, and the acquisition of needed equipment. These actions are modelled on the successful fire brigade of a nearby commune, and will use a culturally appropriate, participatory approach which involves peer-to-peer training and knowledge sharing.