Firefighters in Guayaquil have been working throughout the night to cool down the Multicomercio complex, which suffered extensive damage from a massive fire that broke out on Wednesday. A total of 10 fire units, including two ladder trucks, have remained on the scene to manage the situation. The efforts are crucial as high temperatures during the fire reached up to 700 degrees Celsius, causing two of the five towers to collapse and compromising the overall integrity of the structure.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Leopoldo Terán, the second-in-command of the Guayaquil Fire Department, access to the active fire spots has become increasingly difficult due to the structural damage caused by the high temperatures. The firefighters are prioritizing cooling down the remaining infrastructure to prevent further collapses or potential hazards in the area. The original construction of the Multicomercio complex dates back to the late 1980s, and the fire has raised questions about the building's safety and fire resistance.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by emergency services in dealing with high-temperature fires and the need for comprehensive safety protocols in older structures. As the situation develops, the firefighting efforts continue to focus on ensuring that the area is safe for further inspections and evaluations of the damage.