Fire engulfs Chilean port city

More than 120 homes have been destroyed after a wildfire spread to the outskirts of the Chilean port city of Valparaiso on Tuesday.

The inferno began in a forested area along hills overlooking the city, before spreading to a poor neighborhood. Dozens of families fled their homes, leaving pets and belongings behind.

More than a quarter of the port city's population of 330,000 has been hit by power outages.

Chilean Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel said that 15 forest brigades, 62 fire brigades and eight aircraft have been deployed to battle the blaze.

Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker told local media that the situation "is not easy" and it is "very complicated because of the wind."

Read more: UN: Chilean police abused human rights during protests

It is not unknown for Valparaiso to suffer from fires at this time of year, often fueled by high summer temperatures and strong winds.

Fire 'intentionally set'

"We're not certain, but everything indicates that yesterday's fire was intentional, and began in an area quite close to the homes," said Ezio Passadore, emergency manager for Valparaiso.

Speaking to Chilean newspaper La Nacion, Agriculture Minister Antonio Walker said there was a "99% chance that the fire was intentionally set."

"The people who are starting them know exactly how to cause harm," Walker added.

Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel went further to acknowledge a social media video that purportedly shows a man in the area where the fire began.

"If true this would be very serious," Blumel said of the alleged evidence. "We call on people to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior," he added.

President offers support

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera expressed his support to both the people and the authorities trying to control the inferno. 

"We deeply regret the fire that affects so many families in the hills of Valparaiso and especially on Christmas Eve," he wrote on Twitter.

In 2017 Chile experienced wildfires that killed at least 11 people, including five firefighters. The fire devastated the town of Santa Olga in the central Maule Region, 25 kilometers (16 miles) inland from Valparaiso. Thousands of people were displaced.

Valparaiso has become a popular tourist destination in recent years, primarily due to its alternative lifestyle, as well as an array of colorful wood-frame houses.

jsi,jcg/msh (AP, Reuters, dpa, EFE)

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