CONAF and Firefighters Investigate Alleged Involvement of Former Firefighter and Volunteer in Coronel Forest Fire

The National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) reported that it became aware of the possible involvement of a former firefighter from the institution in the forest fire called "Patagual," which occurred last Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in the commune of Coronel. The incident consumed approximately 10 hectares of forest plantations.

Given the seriousness of the information, CONAF resolved to immediately dismiss the involved worker, applying the maximum sanctions contemplated in the current labor regulations. Likewise, the institution stated that it is gathering all necessary information to file a criminal complaint against those found responsible, requesting the most severe penalties established by law.

CONAF emphasized that they categorically reject any conduct that threatens the environment, the country's forest heritage, and people's safety, underscoring that this event does not represent their values or institutional conduct. In that sense, they reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, collaboration with authorities, and the protection of ecosystems and affected communities, ensuring they will continue to fully cooperate with investigative bodies.

Firefighters Collaborate with Prosecutor's Office

Simultaneously, the Coronel Fire Department reported that it initiated an internal review after it was established that the fire's point of origin was located near the station of the Ninth Company. As part of this process, the station's security cameras were reviewed, revealing information that would suggest the possible involvement of a volunteer firefighter from that company in the origin of the incident.

All gathered information was immediately made available to the Public Prosecutor's Office and the police for the corresponding investigation. As a preventive measure, the allegedly involved volunteer was suspended from their duties while the investigative process is underway and until the justice system determines their eventual responsibility.

The Coronel Fire Department indicated that it will permanently collaborate with the authorities, providing all necessary information for the full clarification of the facts. Furthermore, it emphasized that the actions taken have been carried out in strict adherence to due process, safeguarding the presumption of innocence and avoiding premature judgments.

Finally, the firefighting institution reaffirmed that the events under investigation do not represent the values, principles, or service vocation that have historically guided their work, reiterating their commitment to ethics, integrity, discipline, and community protection, and describing what happened as an isolated and unprecedented event.