Ongoing Fire in Lima, Peru: Four Buildings Collapse as Firefighters Battle Bl blaze
A fire in Lima, Peru, has remained out of control since Monday, causing the collapse of four buildings. No casualties have been reported, but two additional buildings are at risk. Over 400 firefighters are battling the blaze, which originated in a problematic warehouse. The fire may continue until at least Sunday.
A significant fire erupted in Lima, Peru, on Monday in a historic neighborhood and remains uncontrolled, leading to the collapse of four nearby buildings. Firefighters have reported no casualties thus far, but two additional structures are at risk of similar collapse due to structural issues, as stated by Eduardo Celis, a divisional commander of the Lima fire brigade. The incident is expected to persist until at least Sunday, with extensive firefighting efforts underway.
Currently, more than 50 tankers and 400 firefighters have been deployed to combat the blaze. While the cause of the fire remains undetermined, it originated in an eight-story warehouse storing various items destined for local street vendors, primarily operating in the adjacent area known as Mesa Redonda. The local government emphasized that the warehouse responsible for igniting the fire was unlicensed and had previously been shut down on three separate occasions.
Lima’s historic center is characterized by narrow streets lined with street vendors and shops, necessitating the presence of nearby warehouse facilities for quick restocking. The authorities also revealed that the four collapsed buildings sharing this space also served as warehouses, underscoring the prevalent structural concerns in the area. This incident echoes a tragic fire that occurred in December 2001, which claimed the lives of 277 individuals in the same region.
In summary, the ongoing fire in Lima’s historic district exemplifies the dangers posed by unregulated warehouse operations, particularly in densely populated areas. The extensive firefighting efforts highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety regulations. As investigations into the cause proceed, the event serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with such facilities in urban settings.
Original Source: torontosun.com
