Chilean Police Accuse 39-Year-Old Former Firefighter of Causing Massive Forest Fire near Viña del Mar that Resulted in 137 Deaths

A tragic chapter in Chile’s recent history has taken a new turn with the arrest of a former firefighter connected to a deadly forest fire.

This devastating blaze, which swept through the Valparaíso region in February, claimed 137 lives and destroyed thousands of homes.

Suspicion and Accusations

The 39-year-old suspect, who once served as a volunteer firefighter and was involved with Chile’s National Service for Disaster Prevention, is now facing serious allegations.

According to Chilean police, he is suspected of igniting at least one of the four fires that ravaged the area around Viña del Mar on February 2nd.

Motive and Past Actions

Authorities believe the man set the fire out of a desire to be seen as a hero, drawn to the chaos of emergencies.

This suspicion stems from a police statement suggesting he was motivated by a desire for recognition and involvement.

Local media also reported that the suspect had previously been celebrated as a hero for his role in containing another fire, despite being disciplined for acting without official orders.

Arrests and Conspiracy

This former firefighter is the third person to be detained in connection with the fires, which were suspected of being deliberately set from the beginning.

Two others, including a fellow firefighter and a park ranger, have been in custody since May.

Prosecutors are investigating claims that the trio conspired to start the fires, with the firefighter admitting he and the ranger hoped to gain overtime pay for fighting the blazes.

Impact of the Fires

The fires, which spread through the hills around Viña del Mar and neighboring towns, were catastrophic.

They caused extensive damage, destroying over 2,000 homes and displacing thousands.

The area, crowded with people seeking refuge from a heatwave, was hit hard, leading to 137 fatalities and severe financial losses for 16,000 people.

Comparative Disasters

This tragedy is considered Chile’s worst disaster since the 2010 earthquake, which resulted in over 500 deaths.

It follows a similar case in Canada, where Brian Paré was found guilty in January for starting multiple forest fires that caused significant damage across Quebec.

Paré, who pleaded guilty to 14 counts of arson, has been charged with endangering lives and faces severe consequences for his actions.

What’s Next?

As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, the impact of these incidents on communities and the environment remains profound.

Both the Chilean and Canadian cases highlight the devastating effects of arson and the importance of addressing such crimes to prevent future tragedies.