Fire in Lima, Peru: Ongoing Blaze Affects Surrounding Structures and Safety
A fire in Lima, Peru, has been raging since Monday, causing the collapse of four buildings. Despite efforts from over 400 firefighters, the fire is expected to continue burning until at least Sunday. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties, but additional buildings are in danger of collapse due to structural concerns.
A significant fire erupted on Monday in a historic neighborhood of Lima, Peru, and continues to burn uncontrolled. As of Thursday, firefighters have reported that the blaze has led to the collapse of four nearby buildings. Eduardo Celis, a divisional commander in Lima’s fire brigade, indicated that the fire could persist until at least Sunday, although thankfully, no casualties have occurred.
Currently, over 400 firefighters and 50 tankers are actively combating the flames. The cause of the fire remains unknown, but initial reports suggest it began in an eight-story structure functioning as a warehouse for goods sold by street vendors in the adjacent district of Mesa Redonda. The warehouse in question was reportedly unlicensed and had been shut down multiple times by local authorities.
In the vicinity of Lima’s historic center, a bustling area filled with street vendors, many buildings serve as warehouses for local businesses needing quick stock replenishment. In a concerning development, two additional nearby buildings are reported to be at risk of collapse due to structural weaknesses. The city remembers a tragic fire on December 29, 2001, which resulted in 277 fatalities.
In summary, the ongoing fire in Lima’s historic district highlights serious safety issues regarding warehouse structures in the area. While there have thankfully been no casualties to date, the potential for further destruction remains. The incident emphasizes the need for stringent enforcement of safety regulations, particularly concerning unlicensed warehouse operations.
Original Source: torontosun.com
