Over 300 Homes Feared Damaged or Destroyed After Major Hillside Fire

Community members attempted to take action with whatever tools they had—buckets, hoses, and even wet blankets—to prevent the flames from moving toward nearby homes. People helped elderly residents escape, carried children to safer ground, and tried to gather essential documents, medications, or treasured valuables before the fire reached their homes.

Despite these early efforts, it became clear that the blaze was too large and too fast-moving for residents to control on their own.

A Difficult Battle for Firefighters: Challenging Terrain and Limited Access

Firefighters in Lima are accustomed to responding to emergencies in densely built areas, but the steep and crowded terrain of Pamplona Alta presented enormous challenges. The narrow pathways, the layout of homes stacked along the hillside, and the limited road access made it difficult for firetrucks to get close to the scene.

According to statements from early responders, the fire spread in a chain-like pattern—each burning structure generating enough heat to ignite the one beside it. The materials used in many of the homes, such as wood, recycled panels, cardboard, and thin metal sheets, allowed flames to move quickly from building to building.

Firetrucks that positioned themselves at the base of the hill could pump water only to a certain height. Fire crews had to physically carry hoses up steep inclines, working on uneven ground and navigating through thick smoke. In some cases, hoses needed to be extended hundreds of meters up the hillside to reach the upper homes already engulfed in flames.

Despite these obstacles, firefighters pressed on. Local volunteers joined their efforts, helping carry equipment, offering water, and supporting the evacuation of residents. After hours of coordinated work, crews finally contained the blaze and prevented it from spreading into adjacent sectors.

Still, the damage was substantial.

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