Wildfire events (>1ha) in central Chile 2022-2023 summer (dec-mar) and PM2.5 emissions

In an effort to assess the economic costs associated with the recent mega-wildfire season in Chile (2022-2023), our study draws upon data sourced from public wildfire records, specific CO2 emission/fixation factors for forests, air quality monitoring stations (specifically measuring PM2.5, particulate matter < 2.5 um), and CO2 markets. Our calculations reveal an average economic loss of $2.654 billion during the 2022-2023 wildfire season, equivalent to 1% of Chile's GDP.Notably, the major contributors to these costs are the expenses incurred due to CO2 emissions from both burnt forest plantations and native forests. Subsequently, the loss of assets resulting from the diminished CO2 fixation service further amplifies the economic impact. This study highlights the substantial loss of benefits and environmental costs associated with forest fires, emphasizing the formidable challenge of implementing timely prevention and control measures.The data presented here consolidates fundamental information regarding the burned area during the 2022-2023 Chilean wildfire season, initially provided by the Corporación Nacional Forestal of Chile (CONAF, 2023). We have subsequently made adjustments to calculate CO2 emissions and fixation indexes for both natural forests and forestry plantations. Additionally, mean daily values of particulate matter emissions (< 2.5 um) for the same period are reported for South-central Chile (30° - 42° S). These PM2.5 averages were derived from the publicly available hourly air quality data in Chile, accessible at: https://sinca.mma.gob.cl/.