Chile Firefighter, Former Forestry Official Arrested Over February Wildfire That Killed Over 130

A Chilean judge ordered the detention of a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official for allegedly planning and causing a massive Chile wildfire in Valparaiso. The February blaze resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless.

The court ruled the two men could be held for 180 days during the investigation. Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer Chile firefighter, is the main suspect, with flares and fireworks found in his vehicle. Franco Pinto, a former National Forest Corporation (CONAF) employee, is accused of planning the arson.

Regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich stated the act was premeditated, waiting for the right weather conditions. Mondaca testified there was an economic incentive to increase firefighting service demand, AP News reports.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have not ruled out additional suspects.

Community Reaction and Organizational Response

Vicente Maggiolo, commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, expressed deep dismay over the incident but emphasized it should not tarnish the department's 170-year reputation for saving lives, according to BBC.

"We are completely devastated by what happened; it is a totally isolated incident," Maggiolo said. "We have served Valparaiso for more than 170 years and cannot allow such things," he added.

Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, called the situation a significant blow to the agency.

Both departments plan to tighten hiring procedures to prevent future incidents.

The catastrophic Chile wildfire began on February 2 in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central, rapidly spreading and destroying over 10,000 homes. This disaster is Chile's worst since the 2010 earthquake.

Prosecutors presented evidence that Chile firefighter Francisco Mondaca and ex-Chile forestry official Franco Pinto conspired to start the fires using devices made from cigarettes and matches.

Authorities linked Mondaca to six other fires in the region, further implicating him in a series of arson incidents.

Forensic Evidence and Suspects' Activities

Ivan Navarro, chief of the environmental crime investigation authority, explained how detectives reconstructed Chile firefighter Francisco Mondaca's actions before, during, and after the fire, pinpointing where the fires started and discovering the devices used.

Ex-Chile forestry official Franco Pinto provided the knowledge and timing to maximize the damage.

The Chile wildfire caused widespread devastation, with firefighters struggling to access affected areas due to narrow streets and charred vehicles. Hot and windy conditions exacerbated the fire's spread, Aljazeera noted.

Interior Minister Carolina Toha emphasized that the arrests serve as justice and reparation for the victims.

Vina del Mar Mayor Macarena Ripamonti confirmed the intentional nature of the fire, bringing closure to the communities.

Both the fire department and forestry agency are reviewing and strengthening their hiring and operational procedures to prevent future incidents.

The arrests mark a significant development in the investigation.

Authorities focus on delivering justice and implementing measures to prevent future disasters, highlighting the community's resilience and commitment to ensuring a safer future.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

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