The smoke from the Multicomercio fire was felt in Durán, prompting air quality inspections as firefighters continue to combat the fire and cool the affected area.
The smoke from the fire at the Multicomercio tower has not only been visible from Durán, but residents in the area have also reported a strong odor permeating the surroundings. On February 12, fire department officials announced plans to conduct inspections to measure air quality due to the incident. This emergency has escalated to the point where firefighters from multiple cantons, as well as from the provinces of Santa Elena, Los Ríos, and El Oro, have been called in to assist in controlling the situation.
Firefighters were still battling smoldering hotspots as of Thursday morning, with structures within the Multicomercio complex suffering significant damage. Out of five towers, two have collapsed, and the remaining three are left with compromised structures. Martín Cucalón, the head of the Fire Department, indicated that it would take at least two more days to cool down the area completely, suggesting that the situation remains serious and complex.
The ongoing situation has raised concerns regarding public health due to the smoke and its implications for air quality in nearby areas. Officials are prioritizing inspections to assess how this incident might affect residents' health and the environment. The collaboration between various fire departments reflects the urgency of the incident and the need for regional cooperation in dealing with such disasters.
