The forest fires in Chile in recent weeks have resulted in a tragic toll of 21 fatalities and thousands of affected people in the south of the country.
As a result, the authorities reported that they arrested 111 people related to these incidents, including the alleged person responsible for most of the deaths.
Since December, devastating forest fires that have not yet stopped have ravaged the regions of Ñuble and Biobío in Chile.
The disasters destroyed approximately 800 homes and left thousands of people homeless.
The majority of the deaths were recorded in the region of Biobío, specifically in the areas of Lirquén and Penco.
The flames quickly advanced toward populated areas due to the intense winds of the austral summer.
The capture of the main suspect for the fires in Chile
The Prosecutor’s Office of Chile announced the capture of the alleged author of the fire that caused most of the victims. It is a Chilean man of 39 years who will be brought to justice.
“The police arrested a fourth man who ends up causing the up to now 21 deaths” in Biobío, declared the regional prosecutor Marcela Cartagena in a press conference in Concepción. The other victim died in Ñuble.
The detainee has “police records for serious injuries and violations of the industrial property and intellectual law,” stated Claudia Chamorro, an investigator of the civil police.
Massive arrest operation
The authorities arrested a total of 111 people over the last month for their direct relation to the forest fires in Chile. Most face charges of negligence and intentionality.
The charges include:
- Use of tools that generate sparks
- Inadequate agricultural tasks
- Problems with power lines
- Intentional burning for economic reasons
One of the detainees was captured during the curfew in the area of Punta de Parra, Biobío.
“The individual was carrying a lighter, a retractable baton, and base cocaine,” reported a statement from the Investigations Police.
The authorities warn that people guilty of causing these fires could face up to 20 years in prison or pay a fine of 12 million pesos.
Current situation and government response
President Gabriel Boric made his second visit to the region of Biobío on January 21. The president assured that work continues to clear streets, remove debris, and fight the fires.
The area remains in a state of emergency while firefighters battle 18 active hotspots.
The forest fires in Chile have consumed more than 42,000 hectares of forest and land so far.
“The situation remains complex. We still cannot let our guard down,” stated the Minister of the Interior, Álvaro Elizalde. The government estimates the number of affected people by this catastrophe at 20,000.
About 2,000 homes were affected according to the official report. During the day, President Gabriel Boric declared two days of national mourning.
In Punta de Parra, a town of about 3,000 inhabitants surrounded by eucalyptus forests, the fires left few residences standing.
“It’s pure evil, just to cause harm, there’s no other explanation,” said Felicia Lara, 68 years old.
The investigations continue while the authorities work to fully control the forest fires affecting the south of Chile.
