Over 300 Homes Feared Damaged or Destroyed After Major Hillside Fire

Assessing the Destruction: Conflicting Early Estimates

As soon as news spread, journalists and community leaders attempted to assess the extent of the loss. Initial estimates varied significantly. Some reports claimed dozens of homes were destroyed; others suggested the figure might exceed a hundred. One challenge was that densely packed settlements often contain multiple families living within a single dwelling, making accurate counts difficult in the aftermath of a disaster.

By the end of the first day, emergency personnel provided the first preliminary assessments. They reported that:

• A significant number of homes in the block were destroyed or severely damaged

• Many families had lost nearly all of their belongings

• Several hundred people had been displaced

• Important possessions such as school supplies, appliances, work tools, and personal documents had been lost

• Dozens of children were among those affected

For many residents, even the loss of a single room or a small portion of their home would have been devastating. For those who lost everything, the impact was immeasurable.

A Critical Discovery: An Informal Fireworks Workshop

As firefighters fought the flames, many residents heard sharp popping sounds echoing across the hillside. These loud bursts alarmed people attempting to escape and complicated the work of responders. Shortly afterward, authorities confirmed that the noises likely came from a clandestine fireworks workshop operating within the affected area.

Unauthorized workshops producing homemade fireworks are not uncommon in some districts of Lima. These establishments sometimes store flammable powders, chemicals, small devices, and fuses in cramped spaces, without the permits or safety standards required to handle such materials.

Investigators have suggested that the workshop may have played a major role in the rapid escalation of the fire, possibly even serving as the ignition point. If confirmed, this would reinforce the long-standing concerns about informal fireworks production in residential areas.

Authorities are currently looking into:

• The source of the fire

• Whether hazardous materials were improperly stored

• Whether the operators were aware of the risks

• Whether similar workshops may exist nearby

Regardless of the final findings, the situation highlights the broader need for safe work alternatives and effective oversight in communities where informal economic activity is often the primary source of income.

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