Two Arrested in Connection to Deadly Wildfire in Valparaíso, Chile
A Chilean court has ordered preventive detention for two individuals accused of starting the devastating wildfire that ravaged the Valparaíso region in early February. The wildfire left 137 dead, displaced 16,000 people, and destroyed over 10,000 homes. The court's decision follows the arrest of a volunteer firefighter from the Valparaíso fire department and a former member of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), accused of deliberately setting the blaze.
The Valparaíso guarantee court approved the prosecutor's request for the detention of Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter, and Franco Pinto, a former CONAF brigade member. Prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandón revealed that flares and fireworks were found in Mondaca's vehicle, while regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich indicated that the two had coordinated in advance to ignite the fire under optimal meteorological conditions.
Authorities have found no evidence of psychiatric conditions such as pyromania in either suspect, suggesting an economic motivation behind the fires. According to Mondaca's statement, Pinto instructed him on how to start the fire for maximum impact, indicating the latter's desire for economic gain from the ensuing chaos and need for firefighting services.
Images and wiretaps collected by the investigative police reinforce the case, identifying Mondaca as the individual who physically started the fire, while Pinto is believed to be the mastermind. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional suspects not ruled out.
Interior Minister Carolina Toha described the arrests as a crucial step in seeking justice for the victims, emphasizing the need to tighten control over individuals entering firefighting and forestry institutions. Both the Fire Department and the general director of CONAF expressed regret over the incident. They described the actions as isolated events and stressed their commitment to improving entry processes to avoid future occurrences.
The deadly fire, which began on February 2 in the Lago Peñuelas nature reserve, and spread swiftly across the region, is considered one of the worst tragedies Chile has faced since the 2010 earthquake.
- Firefighter Vicente Maggiolo of the Valparaíso Fire Department expressed dismay over the criminal actions of the suspects, urging that this incident should not overshadow the institution's long history of saving lives. Christian Little, Executive Director of CONAF, echoed this sentiment, expressing his shock and sorrow over a former colleague's involvement in the devastating fire.
- The court has granted a 180-day period for further investigation to ensure a thorough examination of all aspects of the case and determine if other parties were involved. The community remains in mourning as the legal process unfolds, seeking solace in the swift actions of law enforcement and judicial authorities.
