1. Volunteer firefighter accused of starting fatal fire
2. Volunteer firefighter suspected in deadly blaze.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
A Chilean judge has taken decisive action in the case of a devastating forest fire that rocked the Valparaiso region earlier this year. The fire, which resulted in 137 deaths and displaced 16,000 people in February, was deemed a deliberate act of arson.
Suspects Detained for Investigation
Following their arrest on Friday, a volunteer firefighter named Francisco Mondaca and a former forestry official named Franco Pinto have been detained for 180 days while the investigation unfolds. Chief prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon has pointed to Mondaca as the main suspect, alleging that he physically ignited the fire with flares and fireworks found in his possession.
Pinto, on the other hand, is accused of orchestrating the crime, with evidence suggesting that the two men had premeditated the act to coincide with favourable weather conditions.
Possible Motive and Implications
Prosecutors have indicated that an economic motive may have driven Mondaca and Pinto to commit the arson, with the aim of securing more work in firefighting efforts. While Mondaca has provided testimony implicating himself and Pinto, authorities have not ruled out the involvement of additional accomplices.
Reactions from Authorities
The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed shock and dismay at the situation, emphasising that the actions of Mondaca and Pinto should not tarnish the reputation of the department, which has a long history of saving lives.
Christian Little, executive director of the forestry agency, lamented the detention of a former official as a setback for the organisation. Both the fire department and forestry agency have pledged to implement stricter hiring procedures in light of the incident.
Impact of the Forest Fire
The fire, which originated in the Lago Penuelas nature reserve, raged for several days, consuming over 10,000 homes in its path. This tragic event has been labelled as Chile’s worst disaster since the devastating earthquake of 2010, underscoring the profound impact of the deliberate act of arson.
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1. Volunteer firefighter accused causing fire killed people
2. Volunteer firefighter accused causing deadly fire.
