City on Fire - Disaster of Biblical Proportions in Chile.

Thousands of people have been evacuated to escape the flames, which were fanned by strong winds in Chile's port city Valparaiso. The forest fire has killed at least 16 people and destroyed hundreds of homes. The massive tongues of flame were advancing down the slopes of the city towards its port and heritage-listed center, driven by strong winds.

President Michelle Bachelet put the army in charge of the evacuation after declaring the city, a disaster zone. The city is spread out over more than 40 hills, hindering emergency vehicle traffic. A regional official said it was the "worst catastrophe" he had ever seen. "We fear that the fire will spread to the centre of the city, which would increase the severity of the emergency".