A significant fire broke out in the Multicomercio complex located in the heart of Guayaquil, Ecuador, impacting approximately 100 families who were forced to evacuate their homes and businesses due to the threat of structural damage and intense smoke. The emergency situation began on Wednesday morning and continued into Thursday night, with firefighters from various regions working tirelessly to contain the blaze. By Thursday morning, the firefighting efforts were still ongoing, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

In response to the crisis, temporary assistance tents have been set up in the area by Segura EP to register displaced individuals and coordinate efforts for the retrieval of personal belongings. Alex Anchundia, the general manager of Segura EP, reported that the local Emergency Operations Committee (COE Cantonal) was activated, which established a collaborative logistics effort with the Fire Department, municipal institutions, the Guayas Prefecture, the Risk Management Secretariat, and national government entities. This coordinated response illustrates the community's resilience in the face of disaster.

The incident not only highlights the immediate dangers posed by fires in urban areas but also raises questions about the preparedness of local institutions to manage such emergencies. The ongoing situation in Guayaquil serves as a poignant reminder of the necessity for effective disaster response mechanisms and community support systems to protect residents from similar future threats.