Chile decrees a “state of catastrophe” due to forest fires in Valparaíso

( Spanish) — This Thursday, the Undersecretary of the Interior of Chile, Manuel Monsalve, announced that the government will decree a “state of catastrophe” in the Valparaíso region, where a series of forest fires have already consumed at least 110 hectares.

“This implies that a head of national defense is going to be appointed, who is going to have powers to limit constitutional rights, eventually of assembly and transfer, but who may also have the power to take control, requisition all the assets that are required , to be able to attend to face the emergency in Viña del Mar,” Monsalve said at a press conference.

The authorities have called to evacuate the affected areas and not to approach the area. Preliminarily, they report at least one deceased person.

“It is a fire that spreads very aggressively and quickly,” warned Monsalve. As for the damage, he added that “an affectation of 200 homes is estimated so far.”

The authorities indicated that the fire started around 6:30 p.m. local time, and that its origin is due to human action.