Chilean Firefighter Arrested for Deadly Fires

Elías Antonio Salazar, a 39-year-old volunteer firefighter in Chile, has been arrested for allegedly starting a series of devastating forest fires that killed 137 people and destroyed 2,000 homes in February. Salazar is accused of co-ordinating with two others, including another firefighter and a park ranger, to throw lit cigarettes from their cars onto dry vegetation during a severe heat wave. The fires triggered a 'state of catastrophe' in the region, prompting national outrage and condemnation from President Gabriel Boric. Authorities believe Salazar sought to gain public admiration and overtime pay by participating in the firefighting efforts after igniting the flames. Following his arrest, he was dismissed from his position at the national disaster prevention agency, and investigators seized computer equipment from his home. The incident has raised serious concerns about accountability and the motivations behind emergency services personnel.