A raging fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at the Barrio Lindo fair in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, one of Bolivia’s main supply centers, where the flames consumed several commercial stalls and forced a large deployment of firefighters and emergency teams.
According to the Departmental Director of Risk Management of the Santa Cruz Governor’s Office, 23 people were treated by medical services. More than nine were also evacuated due to problems stemming from smoke inhalation. The fire was contained after more than eight hours of work, although operations were ongoing in the area, where approximately 70% of the Barrio Lindo block was affected.
Recorded images show firefighters and residents working together to put out the blaze with emergency equipment and buckets of water, while several people moved away from the area amid dense columns of smoke covering the site.
The departmental police commander in Santa Cruz, David Gómez, said the fire had been brought under control and its spread to other sectors prevented. “We have already prevented the fire from spreading to other areas in this market that is so important to the city,” he said.
Department official Jhonny Rojas said the operation involved more than ten fire engines from different firefighter brigades, police units and volunteers, as well as more than 15 tankers, 12 ambulances and rescue teams from the Santa Cruz Governor’s Office.
Rojas warned that the emergency was worsened by a fuel shortage. “Right now only 30% of the fire engines are operating because we are short of diesel,” he said, while asking for support from the public, businesspeople and authorities to ensure fuel supplies for emergency crews.
Among the affected merchants, desperation predominated over the loss of merchandise and structures. Miguel Kifer said he arrived at the market around 5:00 a.m. hoping to salvage some of his goods, but found the fire completely out of control and dense smoke that made entry impossible.
“Such a strong helplessness because suddenly everything—one’s effort, the work of so many years—disappears in a moment, and you’re left powerless. The truth is it hurts, it’s a pity, and it has left us totally unable to do anything, not knowing what we can do,” he said.
“The loss is incalculable for everyone. Here we merchants have been left practically with nothing,” said Marisol Márquez, who said they were unable to remove “absolutely anything” and that even the little that could be rescued was severely damaged.
So far, authorities have not reported any fatalities, while damage assessment at the fair continues.
Source: Viory
