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"Zero Moment": PDI Details Special Investigation into Forest Fires to Be Conducted in Biobío

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The objective is to ensure the preferential dedication of professionals and maintain continuity in the investigations, which are often long-standing.

Due to the forest fires that have affected the communes of Los Álamos, Hualqui, and Mulchén in the Biobío Region, investigations designated by the Public Prosecutor's Office are being carried out by the Investigative Police (PDI).

In the same context, the PDI initiated work through three teams, assigned to each province in the Region, specialized in investigating this type of disaster.

Prefect Raúl Arancibia, head of the Concepción Provincial Prefecture, stated that "three teams were designated, one in each province, to handle all ongoing forest fire investigations, as well as those expected during the summer season."

As explained by the prefect, for safety reasons, after the Prosecutor's Office orders the team's deployment, "it is necessary to coordinate entry into the fire area, particularly the ignition zone, to conduct all forensic work. This can only occur once the fire is under control or fully extinguished."

Personnel do not enter the area due to safety concerns, as the officer detailed, citing risks such as underground fires.

The teams consist of detectives with specialized training and experience. "They have investigated fires from previous years and received the necessary training to carry out investigative processes, working in coordination with the Environmental Crimes Brigade in Temuco," the prefect explained.

Arancibia also emphasized the key roles of experts in the forensic work, including ecologists, chemists, and specialists from the Concepción Criminalistics Laboratory. Regarding the team members for Biobío, the officer noted that their composition varies according to each province's circumstances.

Among the training provided to team members, collaboration with CONAF stood out. "We analyzed the setup of command posts in catastrophic situations with them, and the institution has also provided necessary training for personnel," he commented.

The Concepción Provincial Prefecture of the PDI held discussions with the Public Prosecutor's Office. "I personally met with the acting regional prosecutor, Michelangelo Bianchi, to review working methods and agreed on forming these investigative teams to better handle forest fires, working jointly with the Public Prosecutor's Office and other stakeholders during emergencies."

The goal with these teams is to ensure their preferential focus on the matter and continuity in investigations. "Investigations often take considerable time, so these individuals must remain available for them," he noted.

The prefect reiterated that although they cannot be on-site from the first moment, "once the Investigative Police are requested, investigative actions such as witness statements, security camera reviews, and toll booth checks are conducted. Thus, investigative work begins from moment zero, addressing matters related to the incident."

Source:Diario Concepción