This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-50907976

The article has changed 7 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Valparaíso fires: Dozens of homes destroyed in Chilean city Valparaíso fires: Dozens of homes destroyed in Chilean city
(about 8 hours later)
At least 120 houses have been destroyed by fast moving forest fires in the Chilean city of Valparaíso, prompting a mass evacuation, officials say. At least 150 houses have been destroyed by fast-moving woodland fires in the Chilean city of Valparaíso.
The fires affected the Rocuant and San Roque hills and spread to two poor residential areas. All the city's firefighters have been deployed. The fires, which spread through the Rocuant and San Roque hills, reached two poor residential areas and were still burning on Christmas Day. There have been no reports of any casualties.
Mayor Jorge Sharp said the fires had been started "intentionally". There have been no reports of any casualties. High summer temperatures and strong winds helped spread the flames.
Strong winds and high temperatures were exacerbating the situation. Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel said evidence gathered so far indicated the fires had been started deliberately.
Power was cut to about 90,000 customers in the area as a precautionary measure. Two schools were turned into shelters for the affected residents, who were forced to flee in the middle of Christmas Eve celebrations.Power was cut to about 90,000 customers in the area as a precautionary measure. Two schools were turned into shelters for the affected residents, who were forced to flee in the middle of Christmas Eve celebrations.
Mr Sharp said a state of emergency had been declared in the city, some 100km (62 miles) from the capital, Santiago, and that it was "obvious" that the fires had been lit deliberately. Mayor Jorge Sharp said a state of emergency had been declared in the city, some 100km (62 miles) from the capital, Santiago.
A video posted on social media showed a car next to where one of the fires started. Prosecutors were investigating the footage as well as reports from residents that cars were seen in the hills affected moments before the blazes began, Emol website reports. A video posted on social media showed a car next to where a fire started. Prosecutors were investigating the footage as well as reports from residents that cars were seen in the hills affected moments before the fires began, Emol website reports.
Chilean Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker visited the areas and admitted that the firefighters were struggling to contain the fires. Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker visited the areas and admitted that the firefighters were struggling to contain the fires.
Nearly 120 hectares (445 acres) of grassland have already been ravaged by the fires. Nearly 120 hectares (445 acres) of grassland have already been ravaged.
On Twitter, President Sebastián Piñera said: "We deeply regret the fire that affects so many families in the hills of Valparaíso and especially on Christmas Eve."On Twitter, President Sebastián Piñera said: "We deeply regret the fire that affects so many families in the hills of Valparaíso and especially on Christmas Eve."
Valparaíso, in central Chile, is one of country's largest cities and a major port on the Pacific. It is also a popular tourist destination in South America.Valparaíso, in central Chile, is one of country's largest cities and a major port on the Pacific. It is also a popular tourist destination in South America.
In 2017, the central town of Santa Olga was destroyed by wildfires. In 2017, the central Chilean town of Santa Olga was destroyed by wildfires.