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Fishermen Charged in Niebla Fire Granted Precautionary Measures

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• Both face justice after causing a forest fire in Valdivia during a funeral. They have been placed under national confinement and required to sign in weekly as the investigation continues.

In an unfortunate turn of events, two fishermen were formally charged for their alleged involvement in a forest fire in the coastal area of Valdivia. The blaze, which consumed approximately 3 hectares of vegetation, was triggered by emergency flares used during a funeral tribute last Sunday, April 14.

The Valdivia Guarantee Court hosted the hearing, where prosecutor Carlos Bahamondes detailed the circumstances leading to the charges. According to the prosecutor's account, flares launched during the memorial were carried by the wind toward a nearby hill, igniting a fire that affected both grasslands and native trees.

Given the severity of the incident and considering the defendants' lack of criminal records, they were placed under precautionary measures, including national confinement and a weekly check-in requirement at a local police station. These measures will remain in effect during the investigation, which has been scheduled for a 150-day period.

During this time, thorough forensic examinations will be conducted at the fire site. These analyses are crucial to precisely determine the applicable criminal charges and potential sentencing. The Public Prosecutor's Office has emphasized the importance of considering various factors, such as the type of vegetation affected and land classification, to establish the fishermen's responsibility in the unfortunate event.

The Valdivia community and surrounding areas have expressed concern over the fire's environmental impact, as well as the safety of practices during ceremonies and events in fire-prone areas. This case has highlighted the need for greater awareness and regulation regarding pyrotechnic use, especially in high-risk zones.

The fishermen's situation will be closely monitored as the investigation progresses and the case reaches its eventual resolution, which could set an important precedent regarding individual responsibility in preventing natural disasters.