A report from the Fire Brigade of Iquique (Chile) has brought tranquility and comfort to the local Catholic community, confirming that there was no intention or participation of third parties in the recent fire of the historic Franciscan church of San Antonio of Padua, which occurred on 11 October . .
According to the firefighters, the origin of the fire was due to an electrical fault that occurred on the second floor of the building, above the dome of the altar, which generated a short circuit and overheating of the system, which caused a rapid spread of the fire.
Iquique’s chief prosecutor, Gonzalo Valenzuela, explained to ACI Prensa that the fire brigade’s report “excludes the participation of third parties and indicates that the fire was caused by an electrical fault” which caused short circuits.
“That day I personally went to the scene of the incident, we witnessed the various procedures with the Investigative Police, also thanks to the Carabineros guard, and subsequently we had a coordination meeting with the presidential delegation and various public organisations”, he explained .
The public prosecutor anticipated that a PDI report against the BIDEMA (Brigade that deals with crimes against public health, the environment and cultural heritage) is still pending and wanted to underline towards the people affected, “that the We met the victim and witness unit to verify the damage related to the fire.”
The commander of the Iquique fire department, Jorge Medina, for his part, explained that the origin was linked to an emergency connection that had been installed to resolve electricity outages during the celebrations, according to reports. VTV Newspaper.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Fire Safety Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have an insightful discussion lined up regarding a recent incident that has captured the attention of the Iquique community in Chile. Joining us is Dr. Ana Morales, a fire safety expert and consultant. Thank you for being here, Dr. Morales.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss this important matter.
Editor: Let’s start with the recent fire that occurred at the historic Franciscan church of San Antonio of Padua on October 11. The Fire Brigade of Iquique reported that there was no intention or participation by third parties in the incident. What does this mean for the community and the church itself?
Dr. Morales: This certainly brings a sigh of relief to the local community. When fires occur in places of historical and cultural significance, there’s often a lot of speculation and concern about potential vandalism or neglect. The confirmation from the Fire Brigade verifies that this was likely an accidental incident, which helps in alleviating fears and spreading misinformation.
Editor: It’s reassuring to hear that. Given the historical value of the church, what are some common causes of fires in such heritage buildings?
Dr. Morales: Heritage buildings are often more vulnerable due to their age, construction materials, and sometimes outdated safety systems. Common causes can include electrical faults, heating equipment malfunction, and accidental ignitions from candles or other heat sources. It’s crucial for such buildings to conduct regular safety inspections and maintain updated fire prevention systems.
Editor: How can communities better prepare for potential fire hazards, especially in places with deep cultural significance like the San Antonio of Padua church?
Dr. Morales: Education is key. Communities should engage in fire safety awareness programs that inform residents about fire risks and preventive measures. Regular drills, installation of fire alarms, and ensuring that there’s a clear evacuation plan can make a significant difference. Also, it’s important to foster a relationship with local fire departments for regular inspections and the establishment of fire-safe practices.
Editor: That’s excellent advice. In light of this incident, how important is it for the church administration to revisit their existing fire safety protocols?
Dr. Morales: Extremely important! The church administration should conduct a thorough review of their fire safety protocols. This includes assessing their prevention measures, ensuring that fire extinguishers are accessible, and that all staff are trained on how to respond in case of a fire. Historical buildings also often require specialized measures to protect both the structure and its contents, so involving fire safety experts would be a wise move.
Editor: As we move forward, what’s your hope for the San Antonio of Padua church and the community?
Dr. Morales: I hope this incident serves as a catalyst for improvement in fire safety not only for the church but also for all local heritage sites. It’s a chance for the community to come together, learn from this experience, and ensure that such beautiful and meaningful places are preserved and protected for future generations.
Editor: Dr. Ana Morales, thank you for your valuable insights today. Your expertise sheds light on the importance of fire safety and heritage conservation, especially following such a poignant event.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Let’s hope for a brighter and safer future for all heritage sites.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us in this conversation. Stay tuned for more updates and stories that matter!