A major fire in Lima began on Monday and is still ongoing, causing the collapse of four buildings without reported casualties. The cause is unknown, but the warehouse is unlicensed, raising safety concerns. Firefighting efforts involve over 400 personnel and may last until Sunday.

A substantial fire erupted on Monday in an old neighborhood in Lima, Peru, and remains uncontrolled as of Thursday. The blaze has led to the destruction of merchants’ depots and caused the collapse of four nearby buildings, confirmed firefighters. Eduardo Celis, the divisional commander of Lima’s fire brigade, indicated that the fire could potentially continue until at least Sunday.

Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties from the incident; however, the structural integrity of two additional buildings is compromised, placing them at risk of collapse. Over the course of the incident, more than 50 fire tankers and 400 firefighters have been mobilized to combat the flames.

The precise cause of the fire remains unknown, though it is believed to have originated from an unlicensed eight-story building functioning as a warehouse for street vendors. Additionally, the local government reported that the warehouse had previously been shut down on three occasions.

Lima’s historic center features streets bustling with vendors and shops that frequently rely on nearby warehouse spaces for prompt restocking. The recent fire is reminiscent of a tragic incident in 2001, where a fire in the city resulted in 277 fatalities.

In summary, an extensive fire in Lima has caused significant destruction to warehouses and surrounding buildings, threatening additional structures. With emergency services deployed, officials continue to investigate the blaze’s cause, emphasizing the danger posed by unlicensed warehouse operations. The situation remains critical as efforts continue to control the fire, a grim reminder of past tragedies in the area.

Original Source: apnews.com