A least four are dead after a large forest fire in Chile destroyed 500 homes.
According to the Associated Press, thousands had to evacuate, including 200 female inmates at a nearby prison. Due to the multiple sheep hills in the city of Valparaiso, firefighters have had trouble controlling the fire.
This is the worst disaster I have seen,” Governor Ricardo Bravo said. “Now we fear that the fire will spread to the center of the city, which would increase the severity of the emergency.”
Three men and one woman are already confirmed dead. For those who have been evacuated, several shelters nearby have been set up.
To keep control among locals, Chilean marines have been patrolling the streets.
Reuters reports that the fire is getting worse due to the strong Pacific coast winds. The fire started on Saturday and brought a lot of smoke into the air, making breathing difficult for those in the area.
The fire has also caused multiple cuts in electric power.