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Five complaints filed over wildfires in the region: Suspected arson raises concerns

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Authorities have filed five criminal complaints in recent days following the wildfires that have affected the Biobío Region since last Sunday.

The blazes in Santa Juana, Hualqui, Santa Bárbara, and Mulchén, which spread rapidly due to adverse weather conditions, have raised growing concerns about intentional fire-setting, especially after the discovery of a container with accelerant fluid in Talcahuano.

The recent wildfires involved 30 active hotspots that preliminarily burned over 5,000 hectares of forests and vegetation. Additionally, the destruction of 12 homes has been reported, leaving several families affected and triggering SAE (Emergency Alert System) evacuations in areas such as Ranguel in Hualqui and La Generala, El Durazno, and Camino Las Cachañas in Santa Juana. The latter municipality has been one of the hardest hit by the emergency.

Given the severity of the situation, efforts to combat the fires from the air and ground have intensified. A dozen aircraft have been deployed to fight the flames, while crews and volunteers work to contain the hotspots. Schools and collection centers have also opened their doors to receive aid for those affected.

CONCERNS OVER ARSON

The presidential delegate of Biobío, Eduardo Pacheco, stated that ongoing investigations aim to determine possible arson. According to the official, some factors that have drawn investigators' attention include the simultaneous emergence of hotspots and trees falling on power lines.

Meanwhile, the regional director of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), Esteban Krause, warned that over 60% of wildfires in the region are intentionally set. In response, investigative units have strengthened their efforts to identify and punish those responsible.

The regional governor of Biobío, Sergio Giacaman, expressed his conviction that the fires were deliberately started. "It’s very naive to think they aren’t intentional," he stated.

He also noted that Sunday’s weather conditions facilitated the rapid spread of the flames and that those who start these fires are well aware of this. "It was an optimal day for starting fires, and the people who set them knew that," he asserted.

Authorities have urged the public to assist in wildfire prevention and report suspicious activities. Additionally, scheduled power outages have been implemented in certain areas to prevent potential sparks from igniting new fires.

Coordinated efforts between firefighters, security forces, and the community are crucial to containing the emergency and assisting families who have lost their homes. Solidarity and swift action remain vital in the fight against wildfires.

Source:La Tribuna