Bio

Francisco Mondaca Mella was 22 years old in 2024. He served as a volunteer with the 13th Fire Company of Valparaíso. Available reports identify him by name, age, and his volunteer role in Valparaíso.

Murder Story

In February 2024, a series of wildfires broke out in Chile. The fires affected Valparaíso, O'Higgins, Maule, Biobío, and Los Lagos regions. The government called the fires the worst disaster since the 2010 Chile earthquake. A two-day national mourning period was declared. Authorities reported 162 forest fires across central and southern Chile. High temperatures, El Niño, and a long drought worsened the situation. Over 43,000 hectares were affected. By 4 February, 43 fires were under control and 34 were still being fought.

The fires caused many deaths and large damage. A total of 131 people were reported killed, with 35 identified at the time of the report. Many bodies were in poor condition and DNA samples were taken. At least 14,000 houses were affected in Viña del Mar and Quilpué. Over 370 people were reported missing in the Viña del Mar area. More than 1,600 people were displaced. Hospitals, nursing homes, and public facilities were evacuated. The government deployed aircraft, firefighters, and military personnel. Curfews and bans on fire-related tools were put in place.

On 24 May 2024, investigators arrested Francisco Mondaca Mella, age 22, a volunteer of the 13th Fire Company of Valparaíso. They also arrested Franco Pinto Orellana, age 31, a CONAF brigade member. Investigators said evidence on their phones linked them to locations where the fires occurred. On 9 September, authorities arrested Elías Salazar Inostroza, a firefighter, who was described as the intellectual author. The three were placed in preventive detention until a trial set for 30 October. In July 2025, prosecutors accused nine people, including Mondaca, Pinto, and Salazar. The charges included forest fires resulting in death, conspiracy, and environmental damage. Mondaca was also charged with carrying and possessing homemade explosives. The Prosecutor's Office sought qualified life imprisonment. A trial was set to begin on 9 March 2026.

The fires prompted national and international responses. The Viña del Mar Festival canceled its opening gala. Mexico sent firefighters, military personnel, and food supplies. The United States said it was ready to help. Pope Francis and the United Nations offered condolences. The Chilean government took measures such as declaring a state of emergency, ordering evacuations, and providing temporary shelters.