At least 64 dead as authorities struggle to contain forest fires in Chile

[Meatpie]

At least 112 dead as authorities struggle to contain forest fires in Chile

People told to evacuate homes as quickly as possible and curfews declared in cities most heavily affected

www.theguardian.com

Firefighters wrestled with huge forest fires on Sunday that broke out in central Chile two days earlier.

Officials have extended curfews in cities most heavily affected by the blazes and said at least 64 people were killed.

The fires have been burning with the highest intensity around the city of Viña del Mar, where a botanical garden founded in 1931 was destroyed by the flames. At least 1,600 people were left without homes.

Flames and smoke on the eastern edge of the city have trapped some people in their homes. Officials said 200 people have been reported missing in Viña del Mar and the surrounding area. The city of 300,000 people is a popular beach
resort.