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Mega-fire in Valparaíso: Commission accuses "serious negligence" in Conaf

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• Parliamentary investigation reveals possible crimes and lack of coordination in the management of the forest disaster.

The investigative commission on the devastating mega-fire that struck Valparaíso has concluded that the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) committed "serious and inexcusable negligence" in its handling of the crisis. Deputy Tomás Lagomarsino, leading the commission, highlighted a series of critical errors in the fire response, including the lack of aerial monitoring and delays in issuing alerts. According to the commission, these failures could translate into crimes in various areas.

The commission's report points to a series of deficiencies in Conaf's planning and operations during the fire. Lagomarsino cited specific examples, such as the absence of aerial monitoring after 3:50 PM and the failure to heed warnings from a pilot who, at 3:35 PM, had already alerted about the rapid advance of the fire toward Viña del Mar. Additionally, it was noted that although it was reported the fire was one kilometer from Pompeya Sur at 5:40 PM, SAE alerts were not issued until 6:36 PM—a critical delay in an emergency situation.

The commission also criticized coordination between authorities, including the Regional Presidential Delegation and the National Disaster Prevention and Response Service (SENAPRED). Lagomarsino emphasized that the commission does not seek to blame individuals but rather the involved authorities. However, he left open the possibility of including a section in the report on the management of Government Spokesperson Minister Camila Vallejo, who served as a liaison in the disaster zone.

The independent deputy from the Radical Party highlighted the "salad of State ministers" that contributed to a "tremendous lack of coordination" in the days following the fire. While acknowledging the good intentions of the involved ministers, Lagomarsino lamented the absence of effective coordination among state institutions.

This report underscores the need for a thorough review of emergency response protocols and the structure of institutions responsible for managing natural disasters in Chile.