Barrio Lindo fire controlled; debris removal and reconstruction planned

A major fire that erupted at the Barrio Lindo market in Santa Cruz de la Sierra has been contained, marking a significant step towards recovery for the affected area. While the flames no longer threaten to spread to other sectors of the bustling market, authorities estimate that approximately 10 more hours of work are required to extinguish the last remaining hot spots.

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Still have hot spots that are being worked on. The important thing is that the fire does not spread further and that some stalls are saved where the flames have not yet reached.

The joint efforts of emergency institutions have successfully halted the fire's propagation, preventing it from engulfing further sections of the market. However, active pockets of heat persist, necessitating ongoing cooling operations before heavy machinery can begin clearing the debris. The focus now shifts to the post-fire phase, with the government preparing to initiate the removal of rubble and conduct technical assessments to plan the reconstruction of the main commercial center.

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Thank God we have had no human losses, that is the most important thing.

Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported as a result of the blaze. The emergency response did, however, lead to 29 people receiving medical attention, with 12 of them being transported to hospitals. The injured included 11 men and one woman. Officials expressed relief that there were no human losses, emphasizing its paramount importance.

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After the removal, the analysis of the damage caused will be done, and from there will come the stage of reconstruction. All that is left is to look forward and try to rebuild everything possible and in the best possible way.

Once the damage assessment is complete, a reconstruction plan will be developed in coordination with national and relevant institutions to support the affected merchants. The exact number of destroyed stalls and the cause of the fire remain undetermined and will be investigated by the Bolivian Police and the Public Ministry after the cooling phase concludes. The municipal secretary of Citizen Security reported the fire is about 70% contained, with secondary hot spots still requiring attention.

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We are already with a controlled and contained fire; however, we continue to attack the secondary hot spots that have appeared in the interior. We have a containment of almost 70% of the affected area.