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Chile forest fire: Thousands flee homes as deadly blaze spreads to threaten Valparaiso and Vina del Mar | |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Thousands of people have fled their homes in Chile as a deadly forest fire threatens to reach the port cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. | Thousands of people have fled their homes in Chile as a deadly forest fire threatens to reach the port cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. |
Photos showed endless clouds of smoke above the seaside towns reflecting the orange glow of the spreading flames. | Photos showed endless clouds of smoke above the seaside towns reflecting the orange glow of the spreading flames. |
Officials believe the blaze started at an illegal rubbish tip on Friday afternoon and was fanned by high winds, moving at a rate that forced authorities to declare a state of emergency in the area. | Officials believe the blaze started at an illegal rubbish tip on Friday afternoon and was fanned by high winds, moving at a rate that forced authorities to declare a state of emergency in the area. |
Chile’s deputy Interior Secretary, Mahmud Aleuy said that about 4,500 people in six towns had been evacuated as flames advanced and that an additional 10,000 residents might need to be moved. | Chile’s deputy Interior Secretary, Mahmud Aleuy said that about 4,500 people in six towns had been evacuated as flames advanced and that an additional 10,000 residents might need to be moved. |
His ministry said a 67-year-old woman died of heart and breathing-related causes and firefighters had reported at least 10 people injured by early this morning. | His ministry said a 67-year-old woman died of heart and breathing-related causes and firefighters had reported at least 10 people injured by early this morning. |
Chile's Emergency Office estimated that about 300 hectares (740 acres) had been affected by yesterday evening. | Chile's Emergency Office estimated that about 300 hectares (740 acres) had been affected by yesterday evening. |
The country suffered its worst urban fire in the same area in April 2014, when a raging blaze that started as a forest fire leaped from hilltop to hilltop in Valparaiso, killing 15 people, injuring more than 500 and destroying more than 2,900 homes in some of its poorest areas. | The country suffered its worst urban fire in the same area in April 2014, when a raging blaze that started as a forest fire leaped from hilltop to hilltop in Valparaiso, killing 15 people, injuring more than 500 and destroying more than 2,900 homes in some of its poorest areas. |
Entire neighbourhoods were razed to the ground and many of the victims were found in the burned-down homes they reportedly refused to leave. | Entire neighbourhoods were razed to the ground and many of the victims were found in the burned-down homes they reportedly refused to leave. |
Recovery from the disaster was still continuing when the new fire struck. Chilean Firefighters take their positions to tackle a forest fire in the Roderillo neighborhood of Valparaiso on March 13, 2015. | Recovery from the disaster was still continuing when the new fire struck. Chilean Firefighters take their positions to tackle a forest fire in the Roderillo neighborhood of Valparaiso on March 13, 2015. |
Valparaiso, which was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2003, is known for colourful neighbourhoods hugging hills so steep that people use stairs rather than streets. | Valparaiso, which was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 2003, is known for colourful neighbourhoods hugging hills so steep that people use stairs rather than streets. |
About 75 miles north-west of the capital, Santiago, it has a vibrant port and is home to Chile's national legislature. | About 75 miles north-west of the capital, Santiago, it has a vibrant port and is home to Chile's national legislature. |
Additional reporting by agencies | Additional reporting by agencies |
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