San Juan de Miraflores, Lima — A large-scale fire swept through the Pamplona Alta area of San Juan de Miraflores on Saturday afternoon, leaving widespread destruction and forcing hundreds of residents from their homes, according to local authorities.
Emergency officials estimate that up to 300 homes may have been damaged or destroyed, though assessments are ongoing and final figures have not yet been confirmed. Firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze, which spread rapidly through densely packed residential structures.
Authorities said the fire moved quickly due to the high concentration of improvised housing built with flammable materials, a common risk factor in hillside settlements. Strong winds and limited access roads further complicated firefighting efforts.
Officials also reported that the fire appears to have reached an illegal fireworks storage or pyrotechnics workshop, which may have intensified the blaze and caused small explosions witnessed in videos shared by residents. Investigators are treating this site as a possible point of origin while a full forensic review is conducted.
Although the fire has now been brought under control, hundreds of families remain displaced, many having lost everything. Temporary shelters are being organized, and local authorities are coordinating with humanitarian organizations to provide emergency housing, food assistance, and medical support.
Municipal officials emphasized the urgent need for: • Emergency housing solutions
• Disaster relief funding
• Fire prevention enforcement
• Safer construction standards
• Community risk-reduction planning
No fatalities have been officially confirmed at this time, though several residents were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
The incident has renewed concerns about urban fire safety, uninsured property losses, and disaster preparedness in vulnerable communities across Lima. Authorities have pledged a full investigation and announced plans to review safety regulations related to unauthorized industrial activities in residential zones.
Further updates are expected as damage assessments continue and support efforts expand.
