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Firefighter and Ex-Forestry Official Arrested for Deadly Chile Wildfires

The February wildfires, which killed over 130 and displaced thousands, were allegedly set deliberately for economic gain.

The aftermath of the forest fires in Chile's Valparaiso region on February 6, 2024.
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Overview

  • Volunteer firefighter Francisco Ignacio Mondaca and former forestry official Francisco Pinto are in pre-trial detention.
  • Prosecutors accuse the duo of planning and executing the fires under optimal weather conditions.
  • Authorities discovered arson devices made of cigarettes and matches at the fire sites.
  • The fires were the worst natural disaster in Chile since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami.
  • Investigations are ongoing to determine if more individuals were involved.