According to Region Gotland, Chile has requested Jonatan Ahdrian, an operations manager from the Gotland Rescue Service, for a ten-day mission to evaluate the region's fire protection and their efforts in connection with the very extensive forest fires in January 2026. The fires had enormous consequences: a state of emergency was declared by Chile's president, hundreds of homes were destroyed, and over 50,000 people were forced to evacuate. Jonatan Ahdrian will contribute to the technical, logistical, and operational evaluation of the efforts carried out by the fire brigade in Florida during the catastrophic fires that ravaged the country at the beginning of the year.
There are strong and long-standing ties between Chile and Sweden, particularly Gotland's role in building two volunteer fire brigades: Bomba Suecia in Conchalí–Huechuraba and Bomba Gotland in the municipality of Florida in the Biobío region. Sweden, and Gotland in particular, has for many years been engaged in strengthening the rescue service in Chile through both material, training, and long-term cooperation. Rescue chief Lars-Göran Uddmann stated, 'That Region Gotland receives this request is both honorable and pleasing.
I have had the privilege of working closely on site with Chilean firefighters in the Biobío region during sharp operations. I have also been able to share Swedish experience and knowledge with many of the Chilean firefighters.
' Jonatan Ahdrian said, 'I have had the privilege of working closely on site with Chilean firefighters in the Biobío region during sharp operations. ' Chile finances the entire mission, with the exception of Jonatan's working hours, which Region Gotland covers.
That Region Gotland receives this request is both honorable and pleasing. It shows a strong international confidence in our competence and our employees – and the value of long-term cooperation across national borders.