Wildfires destroy 75 houses in Chile, about 600 people evacuated
Wildfires destroy 75 houses in Chile, about 600 people evacuated
15 February 2013
published by www.digitaljournal.com
Chile — Santiago – Dozens of homes were destroyed in Valparaiso, Chile, by wildfires that propagated out of control along several sections of the densely populated hills of the city; about 600 people were affected and evacuated to emergency shelters.
At least 75 houses were totally consumed by the flames in the Rodelillo and Los Placeres neighbourhoods of Valparaiso. The fire started Thursday, early afternoon, in bushy vegetation in the ravines that separate some of the city hills and quickly spread to the houses. The extension of the blaze was facilitated by the high midday temperature of about 30 C and gusts of wind changing directions. Additionally, the people affected have complained that firefighters took too long to arrive at the site, and there was not enough water coming from fire hydrants.
Wildfires destroy about 75 homes in the hills of Valparaiso, Chile.
All firefighting units of the cities of Valparaiso and neighbouring Viña del Mar worked in stopping the blaze. About 80 crew members of the National Forestry Corporation (CONAF) and contingents of the Navy and the Army also worked for several hours to control the fire and avoid propagation to other sections of the city, according to LaTercera.
Wildfires destroy about 75 homes in the hills of Valparaiso, Chile.
According to the Regional Emergency Office, the dense smoke in the area impaired, and in some cases prevented, for reasons of poor visibility, the work of helicopters and CONAFs Dromader aircraft, reports ElMostrador.
Wildfires destroy about 75 homes in the hills of Valparaiso, Chile.
About 600 families were evacuated from the area. People whose homes were destroyed by the fire were placed in three educational institutions authorized as temporary shelters, according to information provided by the Ministry of Interior.
A dense plume of smoke could be seen from various part of the city while the blaze was advancing out of control.
