Dozens of homes damaged in Chilean wildfire

An alert has been declared after people were forced to leave their homes because of wildfires across Valparaiso.

Wednesday 25 December 2019 16:32, UK

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Fire rages through port in Chile
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A wildfire has damaged dozens of homes outside a port city in Chile.

The federal government has declared an alert over the fires as at least 100 hectares (250 acres) were burned by the afternoon on Tuesday near Valparaiso.

An alert was declared by the government
Image: An alert was declared by the government
Firefighters were helped by water dropped from helicopters
Image: Firefighters were helped by water dropped from helicopters

Firefighters from Valparaiso and Vina del Mar battled the tongues of flames with help from helicopters dropping water.

Agriculture minister Antonio Walker said at least 120 homes were affected.

More than 100 homes were damaged
Image: More than 100 homes were damaged
Fires covered 250 acres
Image: Fires covered 250 acres
People look at the debris of their home
Image: People look at the debris of their home

Footage from the scene showed people walking through smoke carrying bags and pets to escape.

The fires were fanned by strong winds, but authorities have suggested they may have been started by an arson attack.

A firefighter covers his mouth as he tries to clear the debris
Image: A firefighter covers his mouth as he tries to clear the debris
People gather their tree as they return to their home
Image: People gather their tree as they return to their home

Ezio Passadore, emergency manager for Valparaiso, said: "We're not certain, but everything indicates that yesterday's fire was intentional, and began in an area quite close to the homes."

Many homes in the area do not have running water and get their supply from tankers which come a couple of times a week.

Chile is also contending with its worst drought on record.

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