Chile Prosecutors Say 39-Year-Old Captured as Alleged Main Arsonist in Deadly Wildfires

Overview

• Authorities say the captured Chilean will be presented to a judge on Friday, following several earlier detentions linked to the fires.
• Officials report 21 dead and roughly 20,000 people affected as fires continue across Biobío, Ñuble and Araucanía.
• Senapred lists 18 to 19 active fire fronts, with more than 42,000 hectares burned and about 2,000 homes damaged.
• The government has declared a state of catastrophe in Ñuble and Biobío, and President Gabriel Boric ordered two days of national mourning.
• Investigators suspect intentional ignition, noting rapid spread driven by extreme summer heat, strong winds and highly flammable eucalyptus stands.