Chile arrests firefighters and forest rangers suspected of causing forest fire

Two suspects were charged on May 24 with arson that led to a series of wildfires across central and northern Chile, the Chilean National Prosecutor's Office said. A court in the city of Valparaíso ordered them to be held in pretrial detention on May 25.

The aftermath of a forest fire in Chile's Valparaiso region, February 6. Photo: AFP

At least 137 people died in fires that spread across central and northern Chile in February, displacing 16,000 people and damaging more than 9,800 buildings, according to Chilean government figures.

According to estimates by the Center for Integrated Disaster Risk Management Research in Chile, this is one of the biggest disasters recorded in the country in the past 30 years.

On May 25, regional prosecutor Claudia Perivancich said investigators had evidence that the two suspects had plotted to "carry out this type of act."

Local media reported that the 22-year-old firefighter had joined the volunteer fire service a year and a half ago. His motive was not immediately clear. Another suspect said the attack was financially motivated.

Arson materials were found in the firefighter's home, prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon said.

Prosecutors have requested a six-month investigation period, and have not ruled out the possibility of other suspects being involved.

Ngoc Anh (according to CNN, AFP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chile-bat-linh-cuu-hoa-va-kiem-lam-nghi-gay-ra-chay-rung-lam-137-nguoi-chet-post296943.html