Kate Walsh Analyzes the Funniest Madeline Scene in “Emily in Paris”: “The Pigeons Were Out of Their Minds” A large fire broke out at the port of Ventanas, Chile, adjacent to a refinery and smelter run by state-controlled miner Codelco, but the company confirmed on Thursday that operations had not been halted.
According to a representative of the ministry of the interior, a separate forest fire south of Ventanas in the beach resort city of Via del Mar killed at least two people and damaged more than 200 dwellings. As firemen worked to suppress the inferno, the official said that 110 hectares (272 acres) have been destroyed.
The government also declared a state of emergency in the Via del Mar district on Thursday night.
According to Codelco, the top producer of copper in the world, the smelter near the port of Ventanas has been shut down for maintenance, while the refinery is operating normally.
In a statement issued earlier on Thursday, the company that manages the port stated that no injuries were reported as a result of the event. According to the report, the problem originated on a conveyor belt for solid bulk freight and then expanded to adjacent facilities.
Local media characterized the port, located around 145 kilometers (90 miles) north-northwest of the Chilean capital, as being engulfed in thick, heavy smoke.
AES Chile, which has a coal-fired power plant near the port, issued a statement stating that it is taking every measure to prevent the fire from spreading to its facilities.
Unit 2, which is closest to the fire, has been shut down owing to corporate security requirements, while other units continue to work normally.
»Fires in Chile kill two people and destroy 200 homes«