In Peru, crews continue to extinguish a large fire that engulfed the historic center of the Lima skyline. Hundreds of firefighters are using water reserves to put out the blaze, which started in a toy warehouse and spread to adjacent buildings, including shopping centers. According to officials, no injuries have been reported so far.
One of the representatives of the fire service, Carlos Malpica, reported via television that the fire started late on Monday and quickly spread. Many residents had to evacuate their homes, carrying few belongings with them. "This is a real-time bomb for the housing fund," he noted.
Mario Casaritu, responsible for managing emergency situations in the capital, reported that "11 families were displaced" due to the fire. From the site of the ignition, thick black smoke columns were seen rising for kilometers.
Residents of the Zuli Cabanyelas area, who had to leave their homes, noted that they find themselves in the historic center of Lima, where many warehouses are located. According to Malpica, the affected buildings do not meet any safety standards, had no emergency exits, or fire suppression systems. Furthermore, some from the fire service's tap systems in these buildings were "out of service," he noted, adding that "the fire could continue until Sunday."
