The fire broke out in a poor settlement in northern Chile. More than 400 people were left homeless.
Neighbors help fire fighters extinguish a major fire in a poor settlement in Chile.
(dpa)
At least 100 houses were destroyed in a major fire in the north of Chile. More than 400 people became homeless after their homes in the Laguna Verde settlement in the city of Iquique went up in flames, the South American country’s civil protection agency said on Monday. Family Minister Karla Rubilar wanted to travel to the region on Tuesday to get an idea of the situation.
In the poor settlement on the outskirts of Iquique, many houses were apparently illegally built. In addition, there were hardly any hydrants available to the fire brigade in the area. After a few hours, however, the fire brigade brought the fire under control, according to Mayor Mauricio Soria. People who had lost their home in the fire were initially placed in a school.