– Chile volunteer firefighter
– Ex-forestry official caused fire.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — In a shocking development, a Chilean judge has ordered the detention of a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for their alleged involvement in planning and causing a devastating forest fire in the Valparaiso region. The fire, which occurred in February, resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless.
Suspects Detained for Further Investigation
The court in Valparaiso has ruled that the two suspects, who were apprehended on Friday, will be held for a period of 180 days while investigations are carried out. Chief prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandón has disclosed that the main suspect, Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter, is accused of physically starting the fire. Flares and fireworks were reportedly found in Mondaca’s vehicle. The other suspect, Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have orchestrated the crime.
Evidence Points to Premeditated Crime
Regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich has stated that there is evidence suggesting that the two suspects had planned the forest fire in advance, waiting for suitable weather conditions to carry out their actions. Mondaca’s testimony indicated that there was an economic motive behind the plot, aimed at generating more work in fighting fires. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional individuals being involved in the scheme.
Reactions from Fire Department and Forestry Agency
The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed deep concern over the situation, describing it as an isolated incident that should not overshadow the department’s longstanding commitment to saving lives. Maggiolo assured the public that the department would continue its vital work despite the unfortunate events.
Christian Little, the executive director of the forestry department, lamented the detention of a former official, acknowledging it as a setback for the agency. Both the fire department and the forestry agency have pledged to enhance their hiring procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Tragic Impact of the Megafire
The devastating megafire, which began on February 2 in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, ravaged several communes and destroyed over 10,000 homes. The catastrophic event is considered Chile’s worst tragedy since the 2010 earthquake that claimed the lives of more than 500 people. The aftermath of the forest fire has left a lasting impact on the region, highlighting the importance of stringent measures to prevent such disasters in the future.
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Chile wildfire volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official blamed deadly forest inferno devastating impact .
