At least 19 dead in Chile as forest fires approach densely populated central areas

VIÑA DEL MAR, Chile (AP) — Intense forest fires burning around a densely populated area of central Chile have left at least 19 people dead and destroyed about 1,100 homes, officials said Saturday.

Chile's Interior Minister Carolina Tohá said there were currently 92 forest fires burning in the centre and south of the country, where temperatures have been unusually high this week.

The deadliest of the fires occurred in the region of Valparaíso, where authorities urged people not to leave their homes so that fire engines, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles can transit with greater ease.

Tohá did not offer any details about the 19 people killed.

She said that two fires near the towns of Quilpué and Villa Alemana had burnt through at least 8,000 hectares (19,770 acres) since Friday.

One of the fires was threatening the coastal resort town of Viña del Mar, where some neighbourhoods have already been badly affected.

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.

He explained 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,” Fernández said.

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