Pichilemu Firefighters Sued for $300 Million Over Delayed Response

A civil lawsuit worth 300 million Chilean pesos has been filed against the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Pichilemu. The complaint alleges that on 22 May, after a resident reported a house fire in the El Pangal sector, the fire brigade took more than 40 minutes to arrive. Only one fire engine with two firefighters responded, and one crew member suffered a health episode during the operation. The plaintiff, Catherina Domen Novion, claims the unit lacked proper equipment, including a motor pump, and failed to control the fire, leading to total loss of the dwelling and its contents. The suit seeks compensation for property damage and moral injury, arguing extracontractual liability for the brigade’s alleged negligence.

The case remains under investigation by the Ministry of Public Safety, and a court will determine whether the fire department bears responsibility for the alleged failures.