Fire in Lima Warehouse Engulfs Structures and Threatens More

A fire in a Lima warehouse, ongoing for four days, has caused four buildings to collapse but resulted in no casualties. Firefighters are battling the blaze, which may continue until Sunday. The warehouse was unlicensed and previously shut down for safety violations.

A destructive fire erupted in a warehouse in Lima, Peru, on Monday, continuing to rage four days later. This incident, located in the historic Barrios Altos neighborhood, has led to the collapse of four buildings, while firefighters persist in their efforts to control the flames. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties from the blaze, as confirmed by local authorities.

Eduardo Celis, a divisional commander in Lima’s fire brigade, indicated that two additional buildings are at imminent risk of collapsing due to structural weaknesses. The ongoing fire may not be contained until at least Sunday, highlighting the scale of the emergency, with about 400 firefighters and over 50 tankers deployed to manage the situation since its onset.

The cause of the fire remains undetermined; however, officials believe it began in an eight-story structure used as a warehouse for merchandise intended for street vendors in the nearby Mesa Redonda area. The local government reported that the warehouse was unlicensed and had been closed three times prior to this incident due to safety violations.

The streets of Lima’s historical center are characterized by numerous street vendors and retailers, necessitating nearby warehouse facilities for efficient inventory management. The serious implications of this fire echo a tragic incident from December 29, 2001, when a fire in Lima resulted in 277 fatalities, underscoring the importance of fire safety and regulation in urban settings.

The ongoing fire in Lima’s Barrios Altos neighborhood has resulted in significant property damage, including the collapse of four buildings, although there have been no casualties. The situation remains critical, as authorities expect the fire to persist until at least Sunday. Furthermore, the unlicensed nature of the warehouse where the fire began raises concerns about safety regulations in urban commercial areas.

Original Source: apnews.com