San Juan de Miraflores, a district in southern Lima, was hit by a major fire Saturday afternoon in the Pamplona Alta area. Residents first noticed “a column of dark smoke” rising as flames spread rapidly through densely packed homes. Strong winds and highly flammable materials allowed the fire to jump quickly from house to house, forcing families to flee with little more than what they could carry.
The hillside layout of Pamplona Alta made emergency response difficult. Narrow paths and steep terrain slowed fire engines, requiring firefighters to move equipment on foot. Despite efforts by Peru’s volunteer fire brigade and police, the blaze burned for hours, fueled by wind and limited access to water. Authorities struggled with “limited hydrants and low water pressure,” complicating suppression.
As the fire continued, damage estimates grew. Early reports mentioned dozens of homes, but later assessments suggested “more than one hundred structures” were affected, possibly several hundred. Hundreds of residents were displaced, and several people were treated for smoke inhalation. Community centers and schools were used as temporary shelters, while volunteers brought food, water, and clothing.
By nightfall, officials announced the fire had been “confined,” though crews worked late to prevent flare-ups. Firefighters inspected unstable structures and kept residents away from unsafe areas as displaced families spent the night in shelters.
Authorities later revealed the fire may have spread after reaching “a clandestine fireworks or pyrotechnics workshop.” Stored explosives likely intensified the blaze, raising concerns about illegal activities in densely populated neighborhoods. As recovery begins, officials stress the need for safer housing, better infrastructure, and stricter oversight to prevent future disasters.
