Two People Arrested for Possible Involvement in Fires in Los Lagos

In the Los Lagos Region, two people have been arrested and are facing justice for their alleged responsibility in causing fires in the localities of Osorno and Río Negro. In both cases, the reckless actions of those involved endangered residential structures and a telecommunications antenna.

The first incident occurred in the Putrentren area, San Juan de la Costa, where a 44-year-old welding master accidentally started a fire while working with a circular grinder. The sparks generated by the tool ignited the dry grass on the ground, which quickly turned into a fire. Thanks to the quick intervention of neighbors and their collaboration in extinguishing the fire, the flames were prevented from spreading. Although the worker explained the situation to the Carabineros upon their arrival at the scene, he was arrested for his role in starting the fire.

In a separate incident in the rural sector of Llahualco, Río Negro, Riachuelo Firefighters and a Conaf brigade responded to an unauthorized burn that threatened a nearby house. The Fire Chief, Carlos Fuentes, confirmed that the burn, started by a resident of the area, got out of control within his own property. The efficient response of emergency services and the help of neighbors allowed the fire to be controlled before it caused major damage. Following instructions from the Río Negro Prosecutor's Office, the resident was arrested for his risky conduct.

To date, five people have been formally charged for carrying out unauthorized burns that pose a danger to property and the safety of others. The provincial delegate, Claudia Pailalef, emphasized the importance of self-care and the responsibility to alert authorities when people are observed carrying out burns, whether agricultural or forestry-related. Pailalef stressed that negligent actions, like those recently occurred, must be brought to justice.

The province has recorded 16 emergencies as of 7 PM yesterday, with Osorno and Río Negro reporting the highest number of incidents. The communes of Octay Purranque and San Pablo have also experienced incidents, followed by Puyehue and San Juan de la Costa.