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Forest fires in Biobío: Prosecutor's Office to investigate alleged intentionality

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The Presidential Delegation of Biobío confirmed that the Public Ministry will initiate investigations to clarify how the forest fires in the communes of Hualqui and Santa Juana started, whose mayors claim were intentional.

Senapred has kept the entire region under a red alert since Sunday, as there are eight active fires still being fought, primarily in the valley and foothill areas, affecting communes like Mulchén, Tucapel, Santa Juana, and Hualqui.

According to aerial images, one of the most complex fires is in Hualqui, where four points have merged, creating a fire front spanning over 2 kilometers.

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The so-called "puelche" wind descending from the mountains, known for its warm temperature, complicates firefighting efforts as it increases heat and carries embers, igniting new spots in other areas.

Among the measures taken by authorities is the suspension of classes in some Biobío communes this Monday, such as Quilaco and Antuco. While the latter had no fires, the wind caused damage to some educational facilities.

In Santa Juana, the three rural schools closest to the La Generala fire—which has consumed 80 hectares—will also remain closed today.

Additionally, as a preventive measure, power was cut yesterday in communes with large rural areas, leaving over 23,000 customers without electricity.

The goal is to prevent potential tree falls on power lines—due to strong winds—from sparking new fires.

Situation in La Araucanía

The commune of Traiguén in La Araucanía Region experienced a difficult night due to wildfires. Firefighters reported that the "Providencia" fire, which has burned over 1,000 hectares, is controlled on its right flank but efforts continue to contain the left flank.

So far, eight homes have been destroyed in that commune alone, and the Providencia high school suffered major damage. Properties in Padre las Casas and Perquenco were also affected.

After a regional Cogrid meeting, the Presidential Delegate in La Araucanía, Eduardo Abdala, stated today: "In Traiguén, over 1,200 hectares have been affected by this fire, the most complex we’re facing. Thanks to the work of firefighters, Conaf, and other institutions, we managed last night to divert the fire’s head, safeguarding nearly 1,000 homes that could have been impacted."

It was also reported that two police officers were injured in a car accident during evacuation efforts in Traiguén and were taken to a medical center.

Corma: "A significant portion are intentional fires"

In an interview with El Diario de Cooperativa, the president of the Chilean Wood Corporation (Corma) for Biobío and Ñuble, Alejandro Casagrande, stated they "of course" support the theory of possible intentionality behind the fires, given the presence of parallel outbreaks.

According to their statistics, the leader reported that 57% of fires in Biobío and 28% in La Araucanía are intentional.

"A significant part of the cause is intentional fires—multiple, simultaneous outbreaks—but this weekend, some fires were also sparked by wind, such as those caused by electrical cables," said Casagrande.

Source:Cooperativa