At least one person was reported dead by 24 Horas, a news channel run by Chile’s public broadcaster.
Gabriel Boric, Chile’s president, decreed a state of catastrophe and said in a tweet that authorities were prioritizing people’s safety.
In a video shared by the fire department, the sky is illuminated by bright orange plumes of fire, while another video taken from a height shows the city and homes framed by billowing smoke.
Viña del Mar is a picturesque town, popular among tourists for its majestic palaces and a sprawling beach.
Incesante es el trabajo de los cerca de 800 Bomberos que están desplegados para controlar el incendio que afecta a Viña del Mar.
Con más de 100 unidades continuarán trabajando toda la noche hasta controlar la emergencia. pic.twitter.com/mijPT1exQU
— Bomberos de Chile (@BomberosdeChile) December 23, 2022
Photos of the rescue operations showed firefighters attempting to douse flames engulfing a house with a water pipe. Hundreds of rescuers are engaged, the department said. It asked residents to evacuate quickly if orders are issued.
The National Office for Emergencies had earlier advised residents in some parts of the city to evacuate. In Chile, mid-December is considered peak fire season, according to Global Forest Watch, which monitors deforestation and forest fires.
Photos shared by municipal authorities showed remnants of shanties destroyed by the fire and smoky skies as people look on.
In 2014, an immense wildfire erupted in the city of Valparaíso, killing at least 12 residents and forcing thousands of evacuations. Experts believe that climate change has intensified wildfires.
