Francisco Mondaca : Chile Accuses Volunteer Firefighter of Causing Fatal Fire – KXAN Austin

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Chile forest fire tragedy
2. Volunteer firefighter accused Chile wildfire

A Chilean judge has ordered the detention of a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for allegedly planning and causing a massive forest fire in the Valparaiso region that resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless in February. The suspects, Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, are accused of starting the fire and planning the crime, respectively. Investigators believe the two men agreed in advance to carry out the act when weather conditions were suitable. The incident has shocked the Valparaiso Fire Department and the forestry agency, prompting them to tighten hiring procedures. The megafire, which began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve, is considered Chile’s worst tragedy since a devastating earthquake in 2010.

Chilean Judge Orders Detention of Suspects in Devastating Forest Fire

A Chilean judge in Valparaiso has ordered the detention of a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for their alleged involvement in a massive forest fire that devastated the Valparaiso region earlier this year. The fire, which tragically claimed the lives of 137 people and left 16,000 homeless, has shocked the nation.

Investigation and Detention

The court in Valparaiso has ruled that the two suspects, Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, can be held for 180 days while the investigation is ongoing. Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter, is accused of physically starting the fire, while Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have planned the crime.

Suspected Motive and Collaboration

Investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that Mondaca and Pinto collaborated to carry out the crime. According to Mondaca’s testimony, there was an economic motive behind the plot, with the aim of creating more work in fighting fires. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of more individuals being involved in the scheme.

Reactions from Authorities

The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed dismay at the situation but emphasized that it was an isolated incident that should not tarnish the department’s reputation. Christian Little, the executive director of the forestry department, described the detention of a former official as a painful development for the agency. Both departments have pledged to tighten their hiring procedures in light of the incident.

Impact of the Megafire

The devastating megafire, which began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, burned through several communes and destroyed over 10,000 homes. The scale of the disaster is considered the worst in Chile since the devastating earthquake in 2010 that claimed over 500 lives. The incident has left a lasting impact on the affected communities and the nation as a whole.