The City of São Paulo has taken action to secure part of the historic building known as the Palácio do Comércio, which currently houses the Law School of the University of São Paulo (USP), after a fire raised concerns about the structural integrity of the property. An inspection by the local sub-prefecture revealed a risk of collapse following the fire, which reportedly originated from the air conditioning system and primarily affected the roof and mezzanine areas of the building. Fortunately, there were no injuries as the building was unoccupied during the incident.

In addition to assessing the damage, the municipal government is reviewing the operational permit of the university due to the recent transfer of the property to USP. The fire incident has led to the temporary relocation of postgraduate classes to a newly inaugurated building on Rua Riachuelo, named after prominent jurist Dalmo Dallari. The situation raises concerns about the preservation of historic structures in urban areas and their safety for educational purposes.

This incident underscores the challenges faced by institutions in maintaining older buildings while ensuring the safety of their occupants. The municipal government's involvement reflects a growing awareness of the significance of such historic sites, not just for their educational value but also for their cultural and architectural heritage. As investigations continue, the outcome may influence future policies regarding the management and upkeep of historical buildings in São Paulo and similar urban centers.