Abstract

ARANGO LOPEZ, DIEGO. The city in flames. Fires and fire regime in Valparaíso. 1843-1906. memorias [online]. 2021, n.45, pp.93-118.  Epub Apr 26, 2022. ISSN 1794-8886.  https://doi.org/10.14482/111011101.45.983.04.

This article analyzes the history of urban fires in Valparaíso between 1843 and 1906. It is based on the concept of fire regime, which states that the history of the city is deeply marked by the use and misuse of fire. Therefore, it addresses the way in which different urban actors, such as local authorities and firefighters, plan and organize the city according to their interpretations of fire. The research uses official documents, judicial sources and documentation from firefighters. Thus, it shows the progressive construction of the notion of fire risk, as well as the development of prevention, reduction and mitigation strategies. And finally, it shows how these notions and strategies established a fire regime that affected local populations differently, contributing to reinforce preexisting inequalities and participating in the consolidation of power relationships.

Keywords : fires; Valparaíso; fire risk; firefighters; fire regime.

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