Wildfire in Chile

A forest fire has destroyed more than 500 houses in Valparaiso, about 120 kilometers northwest of Santiago, Chile.

Power outages were reported in several areas and drinking water supplied were suspended.

Firefighters from neighbouring districts struggled with the local fire department to stop the flames from spreading.

“There was fire on the top and down there and we were in the middle. We had to get out from there, it was very bad.”

Thousands of people were evacuated as authorities battled the blaze.

Ambulance crews treated residents for smoke inhalation as the fire engulfed block after block.

People with minor injuries were seen near the fire but no deaths were reported.

Exports from the world’s top copper producer, were unaffected.