A state of catastrophe has been declared in Chile due to a deadly fire which has led to dozens being evacuated.
There are reports that at least two people have been killed while more than 400 homes have gone up in flames in the Vina del Mar coastal region of the country with 110 hectares affected.
The fire is described as advancing "rapidly" in the area after starting in the upper areas of the town and spreading down hills in the space of just a few hours after being fanned by strong winds.
Images show firefighters desperately trying to tackle huge flames and black smoke as it billows up into the night sky.
Buildings can be seen on fire as crews try desperately to put them out.
The Interior Ministry tweeted: “We want to tell the public to follow the instructions that they are given by the police, the army, the navy and the municipal teams for the evacuation.”
There are around 800 firefighters who are currently tackling the blaze along with 150 forest rangers.
The Chilean fire service tweeted: “The work is continual for the 800 firefighters who are trying to control the blaze at Vina del Mar. There are more than 100 units working all night and trying to get the emergency under control.”
Commander Patricio Brito also confirmed that there were 400 homes that had been burnt down and 110 hectares affected by the fire.
The National Forest Corporation said that the fire was caused by humans and “could have been avoided”, reported local media.
Vice-secretary to the minister of the interior, Manuel Monsalve, said that a state of catastrophe has been called.
He told a press conference that authorities don’t know the cause of the fire but said that there was an immediate response by the emergency services with a helicopter at the scene within six minutes of the blaze breaking out.
“Unfortunately despite the quick response, due to the conditions on the ground, the climate conditions, the winds, the combustible materials, this is a fire which is spreading aggressively and quickly,” he stated.
