This article is from the source 'guardian' 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.theguardian.com/world/2019/dec/25/helicopters-drop-water-on-chilean-city-after-fire-destroys-homes

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Helicopters drop water on Chilean city after fire destroys 120 homes Helicopters drop water on Chilean city after fire destroys 150 homes
(about 3 hours later)
Dozens left homeless after blaze sweeps through low-income neighbourhoods in port city of ValparaísoDozens left homeless after blaze sweeps through low-income neighbourhoods in port city of Valparaíso
Helicopters dropped water on the outskirts of the Chilean port city of Valparaíso to extinguish a fire that destroyed more than 120 homes on Wednesday. Helicopters dropped water on the outskirts of the Chilean port city of Valparaíso to extinguish a fire that destroyed more than 150 homes on Wednesday.
Dozens of people living in the city’s Rocuant and San Roque hills sifted through the ruins of their homes after the fire, fanned by strong winds, swept through their neighbourhoods on Tuesday. Residents had been evacuated and there were no reports of casualties.Dozens of people living in the city’s Rocuant and San Roque hills sifted through the ruins of their homes after the fire, fanned by strong winds, swept through their neighbourhoods on Tuesday. Residents had been evacuated and there were no reports of casualties.
Authorities believe arson caused the fire. Some 150 homes were destroyed, according to a preliminary count announced by interior minister Gonzalo Blumel said. He said authorities believe arson caused the blaze and urged people to report any suspicious activity.
“We’re not certain, but everything indicates that yesterday’s fire was intentional, and began in an area quite close to the homes,” said Ezio Passadore, emergency manager for Valparaíso.“We’re not certain, but everything indicates that yesterday’s fire was intentional, and began in an area quite close to the homes,” said Ezio Passadore, emergency manager for Valparaíso.
Many homes in the low-income neighbourhoods where the fire occurred do not have running water and get their supply from tankers a couple of times a week.Many homes in the low-income neighbourhoods where the fire occurred do not have running water and get their supply from tankers a couple of times a week.
Wildfires have affected parts of Valparaíso several times in the past month as Chile contends with its worst drought on record.Wildfires have affected parts of Valparaíso several times in the past month as Chile contends with its worst drought on record.