Firefighters in Guayaquil have officially concluded their operations after an extensive 130-hour battle against a significant fire that devastated the Multicomercio complex in the southern-central area of the city. The fire, which started on Wednesday, February 11, escalated to alarm level 3, prompting assistance from neighboring areas to combat the flames. The local Emergency Operations Committee made the decision to end firefighting efforts during a meeting held recently, with firefighters wrapping up their work around 7 PM.

The blaze caused substantial damage to part of the Multicomercio complex, which housed apartments, offices, and commercial premises, leading to the loss of homes and belongings for numerous families. The intensive firefighting effort was characterized by continuous cooling operations within the last four days, aiming to prevent the re-ignition of flames within the collapsed structure. The fire necessitated evacuations and the closure of a 200-meter radius around the affected area due to safety concerns.

The implications of this fire are significant as it leaves many families displaced and raises concerns over building safety regulations in the region. The extensive duration of the firefighting operation underscores the scale of the disaster and the challenges faced by emergency responders. This incident highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of such unforeseen catastrophes, and it is likely to prompt discussions about fire safety measures in densely populated urban complexes in the future.