By Trend News Line 2024-05-26 01:48:52.
Tragic Forest Fire Leads to Arrests
In a shocking turn of events, a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official have been detained in Chile for allegedly causing a devastating forest fire that resulted in 137 deaths and left 16,000 people homeless. The incident, which occurred in the Valparaiso region in February, has sent shockwaves through the community.
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Suspects identified
The main suspect in the case is Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter from Valparaiso. He is accused of physically starting the fire, with authorities finding flares and fireworks in his vehicle. The other suspect, Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation, is believed to have planned the crime. Both men have been remanded for 180 days while investigations continue.
Motive Behind the Plot
According to prosecutors, Mondaca claimed that there was an economic motive behind the plot – to create more work in fighting fires. Investigators have evidence that the two suspects had agreed in advance to carry out the crime under suitable weather conditions. The possibility of more individuals being involved has not been ruled out.
Reaction from Authorities
The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, expressed dismay at the situation but emphasized that it was an isolated incident. He reassured the public that the department has a long history of saving lives and should not be tarnished by the actions of a few individuals. Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the arrest of a former official as a painful blow for the agency.
Impact of the Megafire
The devastating forest fire, which began in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve in central Chile, destroyed over 10,000 homes and caused widespread devastation. The tragedy is considered the worst in Chile since the 2010 earthquake that claimed over 500 lives. The incident has prompted both the fire department and forestry agency to review and tighten their hiring procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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As the investigation continues, the community in Valparaiso grapples with the aftermath of the tragic forest fire and mourns the loss of lives and livelihoods. The arrests of the suspects have brought some closure to the victims’ families, but the scars of the disaster will take time to heal.
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volunteer firefighter ex-forestry official Chile fire killed people.
