Homes burn, hundreds missing as Chile wildfire spread

In the Valparaíso area of Chile, wildfires are still destroying homes, leaving hundreds of people missing.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed by the fires, which have claimed the lives of over 120 people.

President Gabriel Boric said the blaze was "the worst catastrophe to hit the country since the earthquake of 27 February 2010", in which more than 500 people died.

Satellite photos revealed that the fires' smoke could be seen from space.

The seaside cities of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, which are typically cooled by sea breezes, saw a surge in tourists last week due to an atypical heat wave, which coincided with the fires.

However, the town of Quilpué to the east and both cities have been engulfed in bitter smoke due to forest fires that are raging in the surrounding hills.

Residents said that the fires were fueled by high winds, and that in a matter of minutes, their hillside communities were completely destroyed by flames. The enormity of the damage was seen in drone footage.

The wall of flames engulfed those who were unable to escape in time. Only 33 of the 123 people who were reported dead have been identified by officials.

The government's primary priorities, according to the interior minister, are putting out the fire and preserving lives. In the meanwhile, individuals who have lost their homes are receiving food and clothing from volunteers.

The officials report that damage has been done to about fifteen thousand residences. Photos revealed the mangled wreckages of burnt-out cars filling the streets, and entire neighbourhoods had been destroyed.

On Friday, President Boric issued an order establishing a curfew for the evening.

Experts and police are looking into the possibility that the fires were intentionally set.

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