Forest Fire Threatens Cities In Chile

Chilean authorities declare a state of emergency, as a raging forest fire nears the port cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar.

A 67-year-old woman died of cardio-respiratory causes and three firefighters were injured, according to the BBC.

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March 13, 2015: Forest fire threatens the Chilean city of Valparaiso.

More than 4,000 people had to be evacuated as the fire got closer to the city of Valparaiso, the BBC reported. A further 10,000 more may have to leave their homes.

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March 13, 2015: Local residents were told to evacuate after being threatened by the fire.

The fire is believed by officials to have started at an illegal garbage dump. Strong winds helped to spread the flames.

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March 13, 2015: Chilean Firefighters tackle a forest fire in the Roderillo neighbourhood of Valparaiso.

Chilean officials estimate 740 acres of land have been destroyed so far.

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March 6, 2015: National parks rangers fight the forest fires in Quilmo, Chillan, 380 km south of Santiago

Last year 15 people were killed and more than 500 were injured in a major forest fire in Valparaiso, which destroyed nearly 3,000 homes.

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April 14, 2014: Volunteers and residents help after a huge fire devastated an area of Valparaiso, Chile.

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