Fire destroys two businesses in downtown Valdivia

To see international photos, click here

VALDIVIA. -  The capital city of the Los Rios Region was affected by a blaze this morning that generated flames up to 10 meters high, leaving two businesses – the hardware store “Ferretería Valdivia”, and a cabaret— almost completely destroyed. 

According to one of the hardware store security guards, the fire began at approximately 6:00AM in the back of the store, where the heaters were located.

Employees from the night club however, said that the fire may have started inside the business where they worked due to reasons that are still unknown.

The toxic cloud of smoke billowing from the hardware store forced authorities to cancel classes at the Liceo Comercial de Valdivia (located on Pérez Rosales Street, where the disaster took place) as well as at the Colegio Inmaculada Concepción.

The Prales building, located one block from the blaze, was also voluntarily evacuated.

For the moment, firemen have not issued any information concerning the cause of the fire.