Chilean Court Extends Detention of Suspect in Deadly Wildfire Case
A Chilean court has ordered the continued pretrial detention of a 39-year-old man accused of starting one of the devastating wildfires that have swept across central and southern Chile, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. The decision was made on Friday as authorities intensify their investigation into the catastrophic blazes that have ravaged the region for nearly a week.
Suspect Held Over Alleged Role in Trinitarias Fire
The man, who was arrested late on Thursday night, is alleged to have been involved in the Trinitarias fire, the largest among approximately fifteen uncontrolled wildfires that have been burning since Sunday. According to prosecutors, the fire originated when the suspect was using a poorly maintained wood-burning stove, with sparks rapidly spreading to the surrounding forest in the Bio Bio region.
Bio Bio, located about 500 kilometres from the capital Santiago, has been the epicentre of the fires, unleashing what is described as one of the worst emergencies in Chile's recent history. The Public Prosecutor's Office requested an extension of the accused's detention, citing ongoing investigations, including the search for more bodies in Lirquen, the town identified as ground zero for the tragedy.
Court Accepts Prosecution's Request for Further Investigation
The Guarantee Court of Concepción in Bio Bio accepted the prosecutor's request as part of an ongoing investigation into an arson case resulting in death. During the hearing, prosecutor Jorge Lorca argued that the fire spread through embers, and he presented videos from a forestry company that allegedly link the suspect to the events under investigation.
"We personally inspected the feasibility and distance of the actions with the Investigative Police, using an institutional helicopter," Lorca told reporters outside the courthouse. The court ruling mandates that the accused remain in pretrial detention until 26 January, when prosecutors are expected to formally present the charges, which have not yet been made public.
Widespread Destruction and Mounting Casualties
The wildfires have caused extensive damage, particularly in Bio Bio, where several small towns have been reduced to ashes. The blazes have left a trail of destruction, with at least 20 deaths reported in the cities of Penco and Lirquen, and one additional fatality as the fires spread to other regions. The Trinitarias fire, allegedly sparked by the suspect, was the first of several outbreaks and later merged with two other fires, creating a massive wall of flames.
According to the most recent official figures, these fires have already ravaged more than 45,000 hectares and resulted in at least 21 deaths and 305 injuries. In addition to Bio Bio, about fifteen active megafires have been reported in the regions of Ñuble and La Araucania. The situation remains dire, with nearly 700 people in shelters on Friday and over 2,300 homes destroyed.
Historical Context and Ongoing Challenges
In terms of total area burned, these fires far exceed the devastation caused by the great Valparaiso and Viña del Mar fire in 2024, which consumed more than 8,500 hectares and claimed 131 lives. The current crisis underscores the severe impact of wildfires in Chile, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and robust emergency response measures as authorities work to contain the blazes and support affected communities.
