Fires in the holiday resort of Viña del Mar on Chile's Pacific coast have destroyed and damaged numerous houses.

About 200 houses were affected by the flames, said fire chief Patricio Brito Sánchez. He called on onlookers not to hinder the extinguishing work. According to the authorities, around 400 firefighters, numerous fire engines, helicopters and airplanes were deployed.

Around 80 hectares in Viña del Mar were affected by the forest fires. The city is best known for its International Song Festival, which roughly corresponds to the Eurovision Song Contest in Latin America. The reason for the forest fires in the South American country could be the extreme drought.