1. Accuses volunteer firefighter for causing massive fatal fire
2. Ex-forestry official implicated in deadly wildfire.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Chilean Judge Orders Detention of Two Men for Alleged Involvement in Devastating Forest Fire
A Chilean judge has taken action against a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for their suspected roles in a massive forest fire that resulted in 137 fatalities and left 16,000 individuals homeless in the Valparaiso region earlier this year.
The Valparaiso court has decreed that the two individuals, who were apprehended on Friday, be held in custody for up to 180 days as the investigation unfolds.
The primary suspect, Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter from Valparaiso, is believed to have physically ignited the fire. Law enforcement officials discovered flares and fireworks in Mondaca’s vehicle, suggesting intentional arson.
The second suspect, Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is accused of orchestrating the criminal act.
According to regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich, there is evidence indicating that the two men premeditated the fire, waiting for favourable weather conditions to execute their plan.
Investigators have suggested that financial gain was a motivating factor behind the arson, as it would create more demand for firefighting services. They have not ruled out the possibility of additional accomplices.
Valparaiso Fire Department commander Vicente Maggiolo expressed deep concern over the situation, emphasising that this was an isolated incident that should not undermine the department’s longstanding commitment to saving lives.
Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the detention of a former official as a significant setback for the agency.
Both the fire department and forestry agency have pledged to enhance their vetting processes for future hires to prevent similar incidents.
The devastating megafire, which ignited on Feb. 2 in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, ravaged multiple communities and destroyed over 10,000 homes. Regarded as Chile’s worst catastrophe since the 2010 earthquake that claimed over 500 lives, the incident underscores the importance of stringent fire prevention measures and accountability.
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Chile accuses volunteer firefighter and ex-forestry official with causing massive fire that resulted in fatalities.
