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Conaf Official Arrested for Mega-Fires in Valparaíso Reportedly Scored "30 out of 30" on Psychological Test, According to Institution's Director

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Baldini stated that this situation "is very shocking for us. We are truly affected. They knew the harm they were causing, not only to the environment but also to their own coworkers."

The executive director of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Aida Baldini, addressed the arrest of four additional officials from the institution involved in the mega-fires in Valparaíso this past February.

In this regard, she explained that one of the detainees "was following all orders precisely, knew where we were fighting the fires most intensely, and could light a fire elsewhere," as he worked as a "driver for a command post." Meanwhile, another was "a squad leader who had two seasons as a firefighter, with good performance," and another detainee was a firefighter who worked four seasons for the state institution.

Regarding the screening process the entity uses to select its workers, Baldini noted that "very specific tests were applied this season," which can even detect "this type of mindset."

"Interviews with psychologists were conducted. Today, we have many psychologists within Conaf. Right now, we are further deepening this work," she emphasized.

Despite this, the director of Conaf reported that one of the suspects in these crimes scored "30 out of 30" on the psychological tests required to join the institution.

"A committee of experts was formed for the selection of firefighters, and we are also working with the Fire Department. They face the same issue, but we are already working to identify this type of mindset because we can't call them pyromaniacs, but we are dealing with arsonists," she added.

The Situation Inside Conaf

Similarly, the official dismissed the possibility of an illicit association within the organization, stating that "we honestly believe it doesn’t go beyond the individuals involved (...) we’ve always worked with the PDI (Investigative Police) to provide all the background information. There were suspicions because the locations were always very strategic, with deep knowledge, but we believe it doesn’t go beyond the level already determined by the Prosecutor's Office."

Following this line, Baldini asserted that this situation "is very shocking for us. We are truly affected. They knew the harm they were causing, not only to the environment but also to their own coworkers."

On the other hand, she addressed the working conditions at Conaf: "Fighting wildfires involves great sacrifices. It means waking up very early or not sleeping at all. It means feeling the heat of the flames, the sensation of fire, or focusing on attacking only for the fire to suddenly appear behind you. I tell you, it’s very dangerous."

Because of this, she noted, "we are drafting a proposal to establish a unique code for firefighters, different from any other job. We cannot expose people to excessive working hours because their performance and lives are at risk."

Source:Duna