From Scott Corrales
Latin America Correspondent
Source: Actas De Grimorio (Chile)
Date: December 3, 2010
Chile: Strange Fires in Melipilla
[Inexplicata readers will recall news items from the very early ‘00s regarding bizarre fires in Chile, mostly associated with haunted houses. These pyrokinetic incidents are ongoing, as we can see from this recent story. – SC]
MELIPILLA – Residents of a house in the locality of Chiñigue are completely dumbfounded by the strange events associated with pyrokinesis, that is to say, when objects inexplicably burn without any apparent cause.
According to the www.portaldemelipilla.cl website, the events kicked off on the weekend of the national holidays, when several fires broke out on various items of furniture within the home: a dresser, an armchair, a mattress and other items. This prompted a response by the Pomaire fire brigade; after the corresponding investigations, no conclusion has been reached in an effort to ascertain the root causes of the phenomenon.
One of the most recent incidents, recorded only a few days ago, took place when a group of municipal officials visited the site to deliver materials. While speaking to the house’s occupants, a room became filled with smoke, arising from the sudden combustion of a wallet lying on a dresser, which was also damaged by the blaze.
The officials could not believe their eyes, as they could not explain how the wallet caught fire. It contained documents, cash and personal items that could not trigger a fire.
Unexplained fires have also affected other homes neighboring the initial site, causing greater distress among local residents.
Despite the fact that this family’s identity – a couple and their 10-year-old daughter — is being kept confidential – the case is gradually becoming the subject of public discussion. Meanwhile, a more exhaustive investigation is being carried out by a specialized organization.
According to Wikipedia, pyrokinesis literally means “movement of fire”, alluding to the alleged capability to create and manipulate fire using the mind. Its manifestation is mainly ascribed to the performance of mental concentration exercises, although it is believed that unconscious mental activity during altered emotional states – such as depression or other psychopathological disorders – can bring it about.
(Translation (c) 2010 S. Corrales, IHU. Special thanks to Actas de Grimorio)