Chilean prosecutors have dropped a bombshell: A volunteer firefighter and a forestry official allegedly sparked February's devastating wildfires that claimed 130+ lives. ⚖️ The accused — Francisco Mondaca (firefighter) and Francisco Pinto (forestry official) — are now in pre-trial detention.
The Accusations
Authorities claim Mondaca set the fires while Pinto, a National Forestry Corporation official, allegedly masterminded the plan. Evidence shows they deliberately timed the fires to coincide with optimal weather conditions. “They acted jointly to ensure maximum destruction,” said prosecutor Claudia Perivancich.
🔥 Four Fires, One Pattern
Investigators found cigarette-and-match devices at all four ignition points. Prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandón linked Mondaca to six previous fires in the area. 📱 Authorities are now analyzing suspects' phones and tracking missing victims.
Climate Crisis Amplifies Tragedy
Record-breaking heatwaves and El Niño supercharged the flames — a grim preview of climate change’s impact in South America. 🌡️ These wildfires now rank as Chile’s deadliest disaster since the 2010 earthquake.
