Biobío and Ñuble Prosecutor's Offices Investigate Liabilities in Fires

The Biobío Regional Prosecutor's Office has launched a series of investigative procedures to determine the liabilities in the forest fires ravaging the region.

With at least three prosecutors on the ground, intensive work is underway to clarify the facts, identify victims, and provide multidisciplinary support to those affected. The emergency has resulted in extensive areas consumed by fire and one fatal victim, while the flames continue to burn out of control.

Amid the crisis caused by the forest fires in the Biobío Region, Regional Prosecutor Marcela Cartagena reported that relevant investigations are already underway to determine any potential liabilities. With the collaboration of the Investigative Police (PDI) and Carabineros de Chile, procedures and joint efforts have been arranged to address the situation from various fronts.

Prosecutor Cartagena emphasized that the Prosecutor's Office currently has three primary obligations: to investigate how the fires occurred, to assist in the recovery and identification of bodies, and to provide support to the numerous victims. For this purpose, a specific PDI police team has been deployed, and the collaboration of Carabineros laboratories is available.

Despite access to the incident sites being limited by the magnitude of the still uncontrolled fire, efforts are focused on effectively and efficiently carrying out each task. At the 3rd Penco Police Station, the Victims and Witnesses Unit, and the Legal Medical Service (SML), prosecutors are working tirelessly.

The emergency has had a significant impact on communes such as Quillón and Bulnes, with approximately 1,500 hectares devastated and multiple homes destroyed. The Ñuble Regional Prosecutor, Nayalet Mansilla Donoso, is leading the investigation in coordination with specialized teams, also focusing on protecting the population.

The only fatal victim so far, a 63-year-old man who reportedly chose not to evacuate his home, is being identified by the PDI and the SML. Meanwhile, progress is being made in the inquiry into the origin of some fire outbreaks, particularly in the localities of Pinto, Quillón, and San Nicolás.

The local community is facing a critical situation, and authorities continue to work to provide answers and solutions during these difficult times. The Prosecutor's Office reaffirms its commitment to a rigorous investigation and unconditional support for the victims of this disaster.