At least 112 dead and thousands of homes destroyed in Chile as forest fires spread

Intense forest fires burning around a densely populated area of central Chile Credit: AP

Intense forest fires burning around a densely populated area of central Chile have killed at least 112 people and thousands of homes have been destroyed, officials have said.

The fires burned with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, where a famous botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames on Sunday.

At least 1,600 people were left without homes and officials said over 200 people have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding area.

Burnt-out cars with broken windows lined the streets, which were covered in ashes. Credit: AP

On Sunday, President Gabriel Boric visited the town of Quilpé, which was also heavily affected by the fires, and reported that 64 people had been killed.

Boric warned the death toll in the area could continue to rise as rescue workers reach destroyed homes.

A resident evacuates on his motorcycle as firefighters protectively spray water on buildings as smoke caused by forest fires fill the sky. Credit: AP

Rodrigo Mundaca, the governor of the Valparaiso region, where Viña del Mar and other affected cities are located, said on Sunday he believed some of the fires could have been intentionally caused, echoing a theory that had also been mentioned on Saturday by Mr Boric.

“These fires began in four points that lit up simultaneously,” Mr Mundaca said. “As authorities we will have to work rigorously to find who is responsible.”

Burnt cars lie on a street after a forest fire reached Villa Independencia. Credit: AP

The fires around Viña del Mar began in mountainous forested areas that are hard to reach. But they have moved into densely populated neighbourhoods on the city’s periphery despite efforts by Chilean authorities to slow down the flames.

In Villa Independencia, a hillside neighbourhood on the eastern edge of town, several blocks of homes and businesses were completely destroyed.

Burnt-out cars with broken windows lined the streets, which were covered in ashes.

“I've been here 32 years, and never imagined this would happen” said Rolando Fernández, one of the residents who lost his home.

Tourists play paddle ball on a beach backdropped by a darkening sky caused by smoke from nearby forest fires. Credit: AP

He said that he first saw the fire burning on a nearby hill on Friday afternoon. Within 15 minutes the area was engulfed in flames and smoke, forcing everyone to run for their lives.

“I've worked my whole life, and now I'm left with nothing,” Mr Fernández added.

The El Niño weather pattern has caused droughts and hotter than usual temperatures along the west of South America this year, increasing the risk of forest fires.

In January, more than 17,000 hectares (42,000 acres) of forests were destroyed in Colombia by fires that followed several weeks of dry weather.

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