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Two People Arrested for Illegal Burning in Rupanco and Pichil Areas

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In both cases, dry material was burned during a period when such activity is prohibited. Firefighters and Conaf personnel controlled the fire outbreaks. The individuals were detained by Carabineros but were later released by the macrozone prosecutor, pending a summons to the Public Ministry.

Two people were arrested on Saturday for carrying out unauthorized burns in different areas of the province. The fires were controlled by emergency teams from the fire department and brigades of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf).

The arrests were reported by the provincial delegate, Claudia Pailalef, who reminded the public that there is a ban on using fire for all types of agricultural activities and burning forest waste, a measure that remains in effect until March 31, 2025.

RUPANCO

The first forest emergency occurred in the rural area of El Cabrito-Rupanco, in the commune of Puerto Octay, in a hard-to-reach zone, mobilizing Conaf teams.

"The owner of the property was arrested there after conducting an illegal burn around 11 a.m., which destroyed 0.5 hectares of land. The quick response from Conaf brigade members helped control the flames. The owner was detained, becoming the first in Osorno Province this season for illegal burning," stated the provincial delegate.

Six brigade members, a technician, and a truck equipped with a 2,000-liter water tank were dispatched to the forest emergency site.

Carabineros from the Rupanco outpost gathered information on the property owner, who was arrested for violating the burn ban. He was later released after the macrozone prosecutor decided to issue a warning, pending a summons to the Río Negro Public Ministry.

IN PICHIL

The other illegal burn occurred in the Pichil area, where Cancura Carabineros spotted smoke. Upon arrival, they confirmed that the landowner was burning wood scraps.

Firefighters from Cancura and Osorno controlled the fire around 6 p.m. on Saturday, with no significant damage reported to the surrounding area.

The responsible party was arrested and also released, awaiting a summons to the local Prosecutor's Office, where they will have to answer for their actions.

DAMAGE

Both cases are the first of their kind recorded in Osorno Province this season. Last year, the commune of San Pablo reported the highest number of hectares destroyed by fires. According to provincial figures, the 2023-2024 season (up until last March) saw 2,200 hectares burned across 35 incidents.

"99.7% of forest fires are caused by human action, whether due to negligence, carelessness, or intent. It is crucial that we recognize the severity of these behaviors," said Claudia Pailalef, the provincial delegate.

Authorities urged the community to promptly report smoke sightings in rural and urban areas to deploy necessary resources for emergency control. Coordination exists between Conaf, firefighters, and Carabineros in the event of a forest fire.

Source:Diario Austral de Osorno