Raging Forest fires burn homes in Chile

[Pastor Dale Morgan]

*Perilous Times and Global Warming

Raging Forest fires burn homes in Chile *

Fires in the region of Valparaiso in Chile

Forecasters say lower temperatures may help firefighting efforts

Chilean authorities are on high alert in the region of Valparaiso where
forest fires have destroyed at least 20 homes, forcing people to flee.

The forest fires have burned some 2,000 hectares of wood and brush in
the hills near the port of Valparaiso.

At the weekend, hundreds of residents had to leave as the fires neared
their homes.

Officials suspect arson and say a 12-year-old boy could be responsible
for at least one of the fires.

Firefighters continued working on Sunday to douse the flames, aided by
aeroplane and helicopter crews.

Residents told of how they were given little notice to leave as the
fires approached.

"Everything was lost in the fire. I had to leave everything there. I
could only save what I have here. The only things are these, everything
else burned," one said.

Thick smoke from the nearby fires has enveloped the port of Valparaiso,
although forecasters say more humid weather and lower temperatures in
the coming days may help the work to put out the fires.