A new fire broke out at a commercial gallery in the Mesa Redonda area of Lima. According to the General Corps of Firefighters of Peru, the emergency was reported at 6:10 PM on Monday, July 22, at the intersection of Jirón Puno and Andahuaylas in downtown Lima.
Firefighters dispatched six vehicles to the site to extinguish the flames, rescue trapped individuals, and provide medical assistance to the injured. However, they faced challenges entering the area due to the large number of street vendors, shoppers, and tourists present.
Lewis Mejia, a spokesperson for the General Corps of Firefighters, mentioned that the fire occurred inside a gallery known as La Gran Mesa, on the third floor, where there were flammable plastics involved. He stated, “We have deployed fire trucks, rescue units, and an ambulance. About 50 firefighters are on the scene.”
He also noted, “We are working alongside the National Police of Peru and other authorities. With their help, we aim to control the fire without any significant incidents. Unfortunately, access for our units is difficult because of the congestion.”
At this stage, the cause of the fire is still unknown, and there have been no reported injuries or fatalities. Witness footage and reports revealed that the fire, categorized as a code 2 emergency by the authorities, was primarily in the upper floors of the gallery located at block 10 of Andahuaylas.
“This area is primarily commercial, with very few residents. There are only shops and warehouses. We have worked with local security to evacuate individuals present. The presence of a lot of flammable materials is a serious concern, and we hope to control the situation quickly,” Mejia explained.
Given the heavy foot traffic in the Mesa Redonda area, authorities decided to cordon off the streets and restrict public access while evacuating everyone. Mario Casaretto, manager of disaster risk management for the Metropolitan Municipality of Lima, said, “We need to clear the area to allow firefighters to operate effectively.”
After more than an hour of efforts, the General Corps of Firefighters announced that they had managed to control the fire at the intersection of Jirón Puno and Andahuaylas. Over 50 firefighters worked tirelessly to prevent the emergency from escalating into a major disaster. The source of the fire remains under investigation.
Jose Bardales, a commander with the Fire Department, noted, “Unfortunately, the presence of street vendors and shoppers complicates access for emergency responders. Thankfully, there have been no injuries or casualties. The fire started on the roof of the gallery, which was filled with plastics and rubber. This is the second time we have responded to a fire in this area.”
Efforts to extinguish the flames were aided by nearby residents, the use of fire extinguishers, and the diligent work of the firefighters. Bardales emphasized the cooperation from the National Police, municipal Serenazgo, and Civil Defense services. “I urge the public to be mindful and responsible during emergencies like this,” he concluded.
Image and News Source: https://www.infobae.com/peru/2024/07/22/incendio-en-mesa-redonda-previo-a-fiestas-patrias-bomberos-intentan-apagar-el-fuego-en-galeria-cercado-de-lima/
