Chile forest fire near Valparaiso sparks evacuations.

Chilean authorities have declared a state of emergency as a ranging forest fire forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

The fire is threatening the port cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar. The interior ministry said about 4,500 people had already been evacuated and another 10,000 might need to be moved. The fire began at an illegal garbage dump on Friday afternoon, officials, and spread quickly fanned by strong winds. By late Friday, Chiles Emergency Office estimated that about 300 hectares (740 acres) had been affected. Emergency crews battled through the night to keep the flames from reaching residential districts in Valparaiso.

Three fire fighters have been injured so far and a 67 years old woman died of cardio respiratory causes, the interior ministry said. Valparaiso poorest areas, often made up of little more than wooden huts, were worst hit by last year’s devastating fire. Entire neighbourhoods were razed and many of those who died were found in the burned down homes they had refused to leave.

Posted by Assenga Angelina M.