A significant warehouse fire in Lima has persisted for days, leading to the collapse of four nearby buildings. Firefighting efforts are ongoing with no casualties reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown, although the warehouse where it began had been unlicensed and previously shut down multiple times.

A raging fire has persisted in a Lima warehouse since Monday, continuing to endanger nearby structures. Firefighters are still battling the flames four days later, as they have led to the collapse of four buildings within the historic Barrios Altos neighborhood. Fortunately, there have been no reported casualties, despite two additional buildings posing a significant risk of collapse, according to the Lima fire brigade.

Eduardo Celis, a divisional commander, indicated that the blaze could remain active until at least Sunday. Over 400 firefighters, assisted by more than 50 tankers, have been engaged in extinguishing efforts since the fire’s inception. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, though initial reports suggest it originated in an unlicensed eight-story warehouse.

This warehouse, utilized for storage of merchandise meant for street vendors throughout other historic areas of Lima, had previously been shut down on three occasions. The collapse of the four adjacent buildings, which also served as warehouses, underscores the precarious nature of structure integrity in this densely populated area. A historical context adds depth, as a similar fire tragically led to the deaths of 277 individuals in Lima in December 2001.

The ongoing fire in Lima continues to escalate, compounding risks for nearby buildings and underscoring fire safety regulations. With firefighters working tirelessly, the total damage remains uncertain, yet the incident highlights the pressing need for compliance in structural safety, particularly in densely populated areas. The absence of casualties thus far is a silver lining amid a concerning situation that echoes tragic events from the past.

Original Source: apnews.com