Chile: Firefighter arrested after fire with 137 dead

Chilean authorities have arrested a firefighter and a forestry worker on suspicion of starting the fire that killed at least 137 people in February.

One of the men was employed by the National Forestry Corporation, which is responsible for fighting forest fires, said Police Director Eduardo Cerna.

The suspects were taken into custody and are accused of arson resulting in death.

The fire – the worst in the country – devastated the Valparaíso region, more than 122 kilometers from Chile’s capital, Santiago.

According to officials, several fires were set simultaneously, and the flames spread due to high temperatures and wind.

More than 16,000 people were affected by the fire, which destroyed homes and devastated the region that includes Vina del Mar, a popular holiday destination.

Vicente Maggiolo, commander of the 13th Fire Brigade Company in Valparaiso, commented on the firefighter’s arrest to local media: “We are completely shocked by what happened. This is an absolutely isolated case.”

“We have served Valparaiso for more than 170 years and we cannot allow this to happen.”

Prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandón said: “There were about four outbreaks at the same distance from each other.”

He said materials used to start the fire were found in the home of one of the suspects. Investigators are currently looking into possible links to other arsons.