This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
On December 24, 2019, a massive forest fire broke out on Rocuant and San Roque hills in Valparaiso, Chile, forcing hundreds of families to flee their homes.
The fire, which burned 150 hectares (370 acres) of land, rapidly spread to populated neighborhoods, leaving many residents without shelter.
Interior Minister Gonzalo Blumel acknowledged that while progress had been made in controlling the fire, it was not yet under control.
Residents, including Fabian Olguin, 28, who lives on Rocuant hill, described the chaos and destruction caused by the fire.
'We were preparing for parties when the fire started. It all happened so quickly, we weren't able to get anything out,' Olguin said.
Another resident, Silvia Puga, was left homeless and emotional, saying, 'Horrible, terrible to see the homes of my neighbors on fire, my home... Unfortunately we are all homeless.'
The cause of the fire, as well as a smaller blaze, was under investigation, with indications that the larger fire could have been intentional.
