Valparaso wildfire: Dozens of houses destroyed in Chile

[Judi Lynn]

At least 120 houses have been destroyed by fast moving forest fires in the Chilean city of Valparaíso, prompting a mass evacuation.

All the city's firefighters have been deployed to tackle the fires in the Rocuant and San Roque areas.

1h ago

Video at link:
https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-latin-america-50909992/valparaso-wildfire-dozens-of-houses-destroyed-in-chile

[Judi Lynn]

1. Helicopters in Chile douse fire that destroyed 150 homes

Updated 11:31 am CST, Wednesday, December 25, 2019

SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Helicopters on Wednesday dropped water on the outskirts of the Chilean port city of Valparaiso to extinguish a fire that destroyed about 150 homes.

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 neighborhoods on Tuesday. Residents had been evacuated and there were no reports of casualties.

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.

More:
https://www.chron.com/news/crime/article/Helicopters-in-Chile-douse-fire-that-destroyed-14931017.php

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Families Homeless On Christmas After Forest Fire In Chilean Port
By AFP News
12/25/19 AT 4:06 PM

Dozens of families found themselves homeless on Christmas after a forest fire in the Chilean tourist port city of Valparaiso burned through two hillside neighborhoods.

The blaze broke out Tuesday on Rocuant and San Roque hills and continued to burn on Wednesday, though with less intensity. About 200 homes were "affected" by the fire in a matter of hours.



A man looks at the destruction caused by a forest fire on Rocuant hill in Valparaiso, Chile, on December 25, 2019 Photo: AFP / Pablo Rojas Maradiaga

There were no deaths from the fire that had burned 150 hectares (370 acres), though 12 volunteer firefighters were injured.

Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel said while "there has been a lot of progress in controlling the fire," it was "not controlled."



Aerial view of burned houses after a forest fire on Rocuant hill in Valparaiso, Chile, on December 25, 2019 Photo: AFP / Pablo ROJAS MARIADAGA

More:
https://www.ibtimes.com/families-homeless-christmas-after-forest-fire-chilean-port-2891999