Francisco Mondaca : “Volunteer Firefighter Caused Deadly Fire: 137 Dead”

Authorities in Valparaiso, Chile, have arrested two men in connection with a devastating fire that resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless in February. The court has ruled that the suspects, identified as Francisco Mondaca and Franco Pinto, will be held for 180 days while the investigation is ongoing.

Chief prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon revealed that the main suspect, 22-year-old volunteer firefighter Francisco Mondaca, is accused of physically starting the fire. Flares and fireworks were reportedly found in Mondaca’s vehicle, implicating him in the arson. The second suspect, Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have planned the crime.

Regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich stated that there is evidence suggesting the two men had premeditated the act, agreeing to initiate the fire when weather conditions were favourable. Mondaca allegedly cited an economic motive, aiming to generate more work in battling fires. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional accomplices.

Valparaiso Fire Department commander, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed his dismay over the situation, emphasizing that the incident should not overshadow the department’s longstanding commitment to saving lives. Both the fire department and forestry agency have pledged to enhance their hiring procedures in light of the arrests.

The fire, which started on February 2 in the Lago Penuelas nature reserve, raged for several days, destroying over 10,000 homes. This tragic event is considered Chile’s worst disaster since the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in 2010, which claimed the lives of more than 500 individuals.