The Municipality of Punta Arenas has carried out the demolition of an illegally occupied house on Mardones Street, following reports of multiple fires and constant security complaints in the area.
The property, which covers approximately 168 square meters, had fallen into a state of abandonment. According to biobiochile.cl, this neglect allowed homeless individuals to occupy the site, turning the location into a hotspot for anti-social behavior that disturbed nearby residents.
Local authorities participated directly in the operation to eliminate the risks posed by the structure. The Mayor of Punta Arenas, Claudio Radonich, led the intervention, noting that the property was being used illegally.
“It was being occupied irregularly, causing permanent security issues and also fires,” Radonich stated, as reported by the Chilean news outlet.
Legal action against property owners
The property in question has recorded three fires so far in 2026. These incidents prompted municipal teams to move forward with the dismantling of the site.
Radonich not only supervised the demolition but also warned of a crackdown on those who allow their properties to fall into disrepair. The mayor aims to prevent similar buildings from becoming hubs for crime or structural hazards.
“We will strengthen legal actions against owners who do not take responsibility, including requesting arrest warrants,” the Mayor of Punta Arenas declared.
The municipality will continue to inspect abandoned lots throughout the Magallanes region to prevent further incidents of this nature.