Chilean city hit by raging forest fires

RAUL ZAMORA / ATON CHILE / AFP

At least 80 houses have been destroyed by a fire that broke out in a city in Chile.

Hundreds of residents in Valparaiso have been evacuated in the middle of Christmas festivities with some losing all their belongings.

The blaze started in a forested area and spread due to high summer temperatures and strong winds in the city known for its colourful wood-frame houses.

The entire Valparaíso Fire Department is working to tackle the flames, with support from neighbouring units.

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