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Warehouse blaze in Lima - Massive fire threatens regional hospital, forces patient evacuations

Warehouse blaze in Lima - Massive fire threatens regional hospital, forces patient evacuations

"A level III fire broke out on Thursday just a block from Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital in Lima, triggering emergency evacuations as thick smoke spread near the major medical centre. Footage shows Peru's General Fire Department and volunteer units battling the blaze at a multi-storey warehouse where fabric and unused clothing were stored. Firefighters said access was difficult due to the building's structure, and water shortages on site hampered efforts to maintain a steady flow. "Strictly defensive work is being carried out to prevent the fire from spreading. Definitely, the type of construction makes it difficult to enter and control, and also the lack of water," explained German Medina, Deputy General Commander of the Fire Department. The smoke was initially carried by the wind toward the hospital facilities, affecting areas and patients. "Unfortunately, the smoke entered our facilities. We have evacuated the most affected children to safe areas and activated our Emergency Care Command," reported Cristhian Miranda, manager of the EsSalud healthcare network at the hospital. The medical centre made 56 beds available for potential transfers and began redistributing patients. So far, nine were transferred to San Isidro Labrador Hospital and another 26 to healthcare areas in La Victoria. At least two firefighters were injured and another suffered heat stroke during the operation, authorities said. Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze and checking the legal status of the affected property."

Warehouse blaze in Lima - Massive fire threatens regional hospital, forces patient evacuations

Warehouse blaze in Lima - Massive fire threatens regional hospital, forces patient evacuations

"A level III fire broke out on Thursday just a block from Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital in Lima, triggering emergency evacuations as thick smoke spread near the major medical centre. Footage shows Peru's General Fire Department and volunteer units battling the blaze at a multi-storey warehouse where fabric and unused clothing were stored. Firefighters said access was difficult due to the building's structure, and water shortages on site hampered efforts to maintain a steady flow. "Strictly defensive work is being carried out to prevent the fire from spreading. Definitely, the type of construction makes it difficult to enter and control, and also the lack of water," explained German Medina, Deputy General Commander of the Fire Department. The smoke was initially carried by the wind toward the hospital facilities, affecting areas and patients. "Unfortunately, the smoke entered our facilities. We have evacuated the most affected children to safe areas and activated our Emergency Care Command," reported Cristhian Miranda, manager of the EsSalud healthcare network at the hospital. The medical centre made 56 beds available for potential transfers and began redistributing patients. So far, nine were transferred to San Isidro Labrador Hospital and another 26 to healthcare areas in La Victoria. At least two firefighters were injured and another suffered heat stroke during the operation, authorities said. Officials are investigating the cause of the blaze and checking the legal status of the affected property."