Emergency units from the Guayaquil Fire Department were dispatched to the Multicomercio building located at the intersection of Eloy Alfaro and Cuenca streets due to reports of smoke emanating from the site. Responders included four firefighting units, a ladder truck, a water tanker, an ambulance, and a tactical support vehicle. Upon arrival, firefighters utilized drones to assess the situation and identified two hot spots that required immediate attention, indicating the ongoing risks at the location.

The operations at this building come on the heels of a significant incident that occurred on February 11, when a fire broke out in a warehouse exceeding 12,000 square meters, which was packed with combustible materials. This previous fire led to extreme temperatures and resulted in part of the structure collapasing after 130 hours of firefighting efforts were concluded just days prior to the current event. The reappearance of smoke suggests that the situation remains precarious and could potentially lead to further complications if not addressed promptly.

The quick response by the firefighters demonstrates their preparedness to tackle emergencies and highlights the ongoing risks associated with commercial buildings housing large quantities of combustible materials. The successful mitigation of this incident will be crucial not only for safeguarding lives but also for preventing further structural damage and ensuring the safety of the surrounding areas in Guayaquil.