volunteer firefighter Chile accuses ex-forestry official causing huge fire killed wildfire devastating Chile accuses volunteer firefighter former forestry official causing massive fire deadly Chile accuses volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official causing massive fire killed devastating Chile accuses volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official causing massive fire killed .
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — A Chilean judge on Saturday ordered a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official to be detained for their alleged involvement in planning and causing a massive forest fire in the Valparaiso region. The fire, which occurred in February, resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless.
The court in Valparaiso has ruled that the two suspects, who were apprehended on Friday, will remain in custody for 180 days while investigations are carried out.
Suspects identified
Chief prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandón revealed that the main suspect, Francisco Mondaca, is a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter in Valparaiso who is believed to have physically started the fire. Mondaca’s vehicle was found to contain flares and fireworks. The second suspect, Franco Pinto, is a former employee of the National Forest Corporation and is accused of planning the crime.
Motive and Planning
Regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich stated that evidence suggests the two men had premeditated the act. She said, “Investigators have evidence that the two men agreed in advance to carry out this conduct when weather conditions were suitable.”
According to prosecutors, Mondaca claimed there was an economic motive behind the plot, aiming to create more work in fighting fires. They have not ruled out the possibility of additional individuals being involved.
Reactions from Authorities
Valparaiso Fire Department Commander Vicente Maggiolo expressed dismay over the situation, describing it as an isolated incident that should not overshadow the department’s longstanding efforts in saving lives for over 170 years. Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the detention of a former official as a painful blow for the agency.
Both departments have pledged to enhance their hiring procedures in light of the incident.
Devastation and Impact
The megafire, which began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile on February 2, spread to several communes, destroying more than 10,000 homes. It is considered the worst tragedy in Chile since a magnitude 8.8 earthquake claimed over 500 lives on February 27, 2010.
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Chile accuses volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official causing huge fire killed – WKRG News.
