At least 12 people are dead when a bush fire spread into the port city of Valparaiso, destroying thousands of homes in the process.  Chilean President Michelle Bachelet put the military in charge of evacuating more than 10,000 residents whose homes are in harm’s way.

“It is a terrible tragedy, without doubt the worst fire in the history of Valparaiso,” President Bachelet said while declaring the area a disaster zone.  “Families have not only lost their homes and their possessions but also their family memories,” she added.

Valparaiso is 110 kilometers northwest of the capital Santiago, on the Pacific Coast where strong ocean winds helped fan the fire, making it more difficult on firefighters.  They’re not sure on the cause of the fire, only that it spread quickly over the dozens coastal hills that make up the city of about 270,000 residents.

The stench of smoke and charred wood shrouded Valparaiso, and many people were suffering from smoke inhalation.  Hundreds are being treated for various injuries – most are minor, but some are more serious.