Chile arrests Israeli tourist over massive Torres del Paine forest fire

Chile arrests Israeli tourist for forest fire in Patagonia

Chilean authorities arrested an Israeli tourist on February 16, 2026, after a wildfire engulfed 11,000 hectares of protected land in Patagonia National Park. The Prosecutor’s Office reported that the traveler acknowledged negligently starting the fire, which rapidly spread due to dry conditions and strong winds.

The wildfire caused significant ecological damage, threatening native flora and fauna and forcing the evacuation of nearby areas. Firefighting teams from local and national agencies were deployed to contain the blaze, which took several days to fully control.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the tourist’s actions and adherence to park regulations. The Chilean government emphasized the severity of wildfires in Patagonia and the legal consequences for negligence that endangers public and environmental safety.