BBC News - Deadly fire destroys homes in Chile's Valparaiso

BBC News - Deadly fire destroys homes in Chile's Valparaiso:

A large forest fire has killed four people and destroyed more than 500 homes in Chile's port city Valparaiso.

Thousands of people are being evacuated from the city to escape the flames, which have been fanned by strong winds coming in from the Pacific.

President Michelle Bachelet put the army in charge of the evacuation after declaring the city, 110km (70 miles) west of Santiago, a disaster zone.

Many residents of the city are said to be suffering from smoke inhalation.

Large parts of Valparaiso are without electricity.

 

 

It was an apocalyptic scene as the flames covered the city in a bright glow