Seven Arrested for Causing Forest Fires Counted During the Start of 2026 in Ñuble

Police authorities delivered a concerning report regarding the forest fires recorded in the Ñuble Region during the first days of the year 2026.

Carabineros de Chile reported that, from last Friday to date, a total of 15 fires have been counted. During this season, 199 fires have already been recorded, representing a 27% increase compared to the same period last year.

Regarding this situation, Lieutenant Colonel José Luis Villegas, of the Ñuble Prefecture, warned that forest fires "are a major concern we have here in the region," emphasizing that this is a scenario that repeats every summer season and forces the intensification of preventive actions.

According to information from the institution, this increase occurs in a context of high temperatures and increased activity in rural areas, factors that raise the risk of fire incidents.

Villegas explained that "as an institution, we are working in a coordinated manner with Firefighters and other agencies, especially during this period of high temperatures, where the risk of incidents increases considerably."

Given this scenario, Carabineros reinforced their preventive patrols and inspection duties, especially in agricultural and forestry sectors, with the aim of detecting risky behaviors and preventing the spread of fires.

Seven Arrested

Regarding responsibilities, Carabineros reported that, as of this January 5, 2026, seven people have already been arrested for causing fires negligently.

Villegas mentioned that "in recent days we have achieved the arrest of seven people who have been involved both in the generation of forest fires and in events associated with the incidents recorded during the past week."

These cases are mainly associated with reckless behaviors and non-compliance with basic prevention measures, which led to the generation of fire outbreaks with the potential to spread. "These behaviors generate a high risk and can have serious consequences for people and the environment," stated Villegas.

The report corresponding to the year 2025 revealed a total of 63 people arrested for their involvement in fires or for infringing the current regulations that prohibit the use of fire in agricultural and forestry activities during restriction periods.

In that context, the lieutenant colonel specified that "during the year 2025 we had 63 people arrested for generating or being involved in forest fires, and also for not complying with regulations associated with the prohibition of burns and agricultural or forestry activities."

Source:La Discusión