In a tragic turn of events, a firefighter in Chile has been apprehended under suspicion of igniting the devastating blaze that claimed 137 lives in February, engulfing the resort city of Vina del Mar in chaos and sorrow.
 
The arrest came following the issuance of a warrant against the individual believed to have sparked the fires that ravaged the Valparaiso region, including Vina del Mar.
The inferno, occurring on February 2, erupted simultaneously in several locations around Vina del Mar, exacerbated by intense winds and scorching temperatures.
Identified as a 22-year-old member of the volunteer firefighting force, the suspect had joined the service relatively recently.
 
Vicente Maggiolo, commander of the 13th Fire Company in Valparaiso, expressed profound dismay over the incident, emphasizing its isolated nature.
Investigators from the Public Ministry pinpointed the origin of the fire near Lake Penuelas, with evidence linking materials found at the suspect's residence to the ignition.
While the motive behind the alleged arson remains uncertain, Mayor Macarena Ripamonti underscored the community's conviction that the act was deliberate.
 
Interior Minister Carolina Toha reiterated the government's commitment to pursuing justice and providing support to the victims and their families.
 
This tragic event underscores the devastating impact of intentional acts of arson and the importance of swift justice in holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
 
END/V7N/SMA/DK/