Firefighters in Guayaquil have been engaged in a labor-intensive firefighting effort at the Multicomercio building, located at the intersection of Cuenca and Eloy Alfaro streets. The operations, which began shortly after the fire broke out, have involved continuous work over a span of 86 hours to control and extinguish the flames, as well as mitigate any potential risks to the surrounding area given the compromised state of the building's structure. Lt. Col. Polo Terán indicated that the team is nearing the conclusion of their operations, with plans to formally close the scene today at approximately 7 PM.

To ensure safety and proper assessment of the situation, firefighters temporarily halted water usage late last night, resuming evaluation of the structure's materials. Lt. Col. Terán noted that since their cessation of water application, there have been no indications of smoke or further issues arising, signifying that internal combustion has subsided significantly, by about 95%. This careful monitoring reflects the precautions necessary given the fire’s impact on the infrastructure and potential hazards

The incident highlights the critical role of emergency services in managing urban fire outbreaks and underscores the continuous risks that such disasters pose to communities. As the situation stabilizes, the focus will shift towards analyzing the cause of the fire and ensuring that safety measures are in place to prevent future incidents. The response from the Cuerpo de Bomberos exemplifies the challenges faced in urban firefighting, particularly in areas with dense infrastructure and potential hazards.