In pictures: Deadly Valparaiso fire rages on
- Published
Hundreds of homes have been destroyed in Chile in a massive blaze, which has torn through the hills surrounding the port city of Valparaiso.
Several people have been killed and thousands more have been left homeless in Chile's third largest city 110km (70 miles) north-west of Santiago.
Residents tried their best to protect their homes, but officials said it could take more than 20 days to fully extinguish the blaze.
The government said people who lost their homes would not be left alone, and promised to send emergency money to the areas affected by the blaze.
Many volunteers went to the affected areas to help with the clean-up efforts, while food and other basic supplies were being sent from all over Chile.
Temporary shelters have been set up for residents who were forced to flee the fire, which consumed everything in its path.
Helicopters and aircraft have been deployed to dump water on remaining hotspots, which are spread out in an area of 850 hectares (2,100 acres).
Firefighters have been working around the clock to extinguish the fire, and the army has been put in charge of evacuating residents who are in danger.
Those who were allowed to return to their neighbourhoods often found little trace of their former homes and tried to salvage the little they could.
Volunteers tried to rescue animals injured while fleeing the blaze.