The commander of the Litueche Fire Department, Luis Antonio Becerra Pino, died on Monday while fighting a forest fire in the commune in Chile's O’Higgins Region. The blaze, which started around 2 p.m. in the Santa Mónica sector, has burned at least 50 hectares according to preliminary reports. Authorities and political leaders have expressed condolences and declared official mourning in the region.
On Monday, December 29, 2025, a forest fire broke out around 2 p.m. in the Santa Mónica sector of Litueche commune in Chile's O’Higgins Region. The National Forestry Corporation (Conaf) initially estimated 20 hectares affected, but later reports indicated nearly 50 hectares devastated. Due to proximity to populated areas like Parcelación Santa Mónica 1, Senapred declared a red alert and activated the SAE Alert for evacuation.
During firefighting operations, commander Luis Antonio Becerra Pino, who also served as provincial commander of Cardenal Caro, suffered a health complication. Preliminary reports vary: some mention a cardiorespiratory arrest, while others indicate a hemorrhagic stroke. He was transferred to Litueche hospital and then by helicopter, but died despite medical efforts, including an advanced Samu ambulance and coordination with Carabineros.
Regional Bomberos president Juan Luis Fabia described the incident as “a super tragic moment for the institution” and confirmed Becerra Pino will be declared a martyr in a general board session, receiving maximum honors. He highlighted his career: “He was a commander with considerable experience (…) He never missed a fire in his commune and supported neighboring units”.
President Gabriel Boric decreed official mourning in O’Higgins for December 30, stating: “I reiterate my sincerest condolences and affection to Luis's family, friends, and colleagues in this difficult and painful moment”. President-elect José Antonio Kast mourned the loss on X: “Another tragic loss for Chile's Firefighters amid complex days in combating forest fires (…). A strong hug to Commander Becerra's family, colleagues, and friends”.
Mayor Rodrigo Palominos and the firefighting institution praised his service dedication in high-risk conditions, amid fires worsened by high temperatures. Fabia urged prevention: “This is not a game. Do not use tools that generate sparks, no barbecues or open fires”.
Deployed resources included three brigades, two tanker trucks, one heavy machine, one helicopter, two tanker planes, and fire companies.
