On February 11, a fire in the heart of Guayaquil caused significant damage, leading to the collapse of at least two structures near the Multicomercio shopping center. The fires had been raging since the morning, resulting in one building collapsing after several hours of extreme heat exposure. The first structure to collapse served as a parking lot and storage area, raising immediate safety concerns for the individuals in the vicinity.

The Guayaquil Fire Department, supported by reinforcements from neighboring cantons, has been deployed to manage the situation. Their efforts focus on cooling down the affected areas and assessing the stability of the remaining structures. Additionally, emergency medical services from the Ecuadorian Red Cross have been stationed at various points around the perimeter to provide assistance to those in need.

Colonel Martín Cucalón, the head of the fire department, indicated that the incident was triggered by a collapse of the building structure, exacerbating the spread of the fire and creating a hazardous environment. Authorities are urging residents and bystanders to avoid the area to prevent potential injuries and to facilitate the ongoing response efforts.