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Subject Detained for Causing Forest Fire in Limache

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In an incident that highlights the importance of caution during the forest fire season, a 62-year-old man was detained by the Marga Marga Forest Brigade in the Lliu Lliu sector, commune of Limache.

The arrest occurred after the individual started a fire while handling a cutting tool without proper precautions, leading to the rapid intervention of emergency teams.

Major Juan Pablo Serrano of the Carabineros, commissioner of the Third Police Station of Limache, reported that the forest patrol personnel arrived at the Los Bellotos Norte property in Lliu Lliu, where it was confirmed that the man was working with a metal-bladed trimmer. The tool's contact with a stone generated sparks that ignited the surrounding grasslands, resulting in his immediate detention.

The fire was effectively combated thanks to the quick response of the municipal Risk and Emergency Management teams, two fire trucks from Limache Fire Department, three ground brigades, one airplane, and one helicopter from the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf).

The Director of Risk and Emergency Management, Esteban Saavedra, confirmed that the fire affected approximately one hectare of grassland, scrubland, and trees but was successfully controlled.

The municipality of Limache has reinforced the message of prevention and care, especially during the high-risk season for forest fires. The community is urged to avoid accumulating and burning grasslands and trash, refrain from smoking near vegetation, not to light campfires, and to be cautious when using forestry and/or agricultural machinery.

This incident serves as a critical reminder that irresponsible actions can have devastating consequences for the environment and public safety. Citizen cooperation is essential to prevent natural disasters of this kind.