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PDI Deploys Expert Detectives to Investigate Origin of Forest Fires in Ñuble

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A multidisciplinary team of detectives from the Ñuble Prefecture of the PDI (Investigative Police), who have specialized in investigating forest fires, are part of the "Task Force" deployed in the region starting December 1st, with the objective of investigating these incidents.

As established by the regional PDI, under the charge of Prefect Inspector Enrique Zamora, and in line with central guidelines, on November 25th it ceased to be called an "investigative group" for forest fires, and the Forest Fire Task Force was established in Ñuble. Its mission will be to comply with the procedural protocol for determining causes for criminal prosecution in cases of forest fires, both in carrying out police procedures and in preparing police reports on investigations of incidents where there are indications that may constitute crimes.

The internal operational coordinator of this Task Force is Commissioner Ernesto Gaete Salgado, a specialist in forest fire investigation with experience in the Environmental Crimes Investigative Brigade (Bidema), both in the Metropolitan Region and in Arica.

"In recent years, as the PDI, we have formed a team that conducts criminal investigations in cases of forest fires. In this regard, there is important coordination with various state agencies, starting with the Public Prosecutor's Office, which directs the investigations, and also with the Government, through CONAF (National Forestry Corporation), the Regional Presidential Delegation, and the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Public Security. Furthermore, we have also met with CORMA (Chilean Wood Corporation) with the aim of gathering relevant information regarding the occurrence of these incidents, which cause damage not only to people but to the ecosystem," said Commissioner Gaete.

Another important milestone achieved by the PDI, which strengthens the criminal investigation of this type of crime, is that at the end of October, in the commune of Tomé, the Investigative Brigade for Crimes Against the Environment and Cultural Heritage (Bidema) was inaugurated. This brigade has jurisdiction in the Biobío and Ñuble regions. The Bidema is essential to provide an expert response that effectively protects ecosystems and heritage assets, applying a scientific focus to crime investigations. Thus, the unit's objective is to strengthen investigations using specialized techniques and forensic evidence, prosecute heritage crimes, protecting archaeological sites, monuments, and cultural assets, investigate animal abuse cases, and promote environmental education.

35 Investigation Orders

During the 2024/2025 season, this multidisciplinary team of detectives received 35 investigation orders in the Ñuble Region regarding forest fires. Consequently, they have enhanced their capabilities to strengthen their investigations, following prior planning and inter-agency coordination.

"It is important to mention that our work at the crime scene is supported by experts from the Criminalistics Laboratory in their various areas of expertise. In Chillán, the laboratory was recently reinforced with the evidence collection section, where police officers allow for the gathering of important evidence to support investigations. Additionally, we receive support from the laboratories in Santiago and Temuco, including chemical experts, ecologists, and even mechanics, who contribute to the expert examinations," said Commissioner Gaete.

Source:La Discusión