Fire in David causes millions in business losses and threatens nearly 100 jobs

David woke on Wednesday to the aftermath of a fire that tore through one of the city’s busiest commercial areas. Two businesses were destroyed and eight others suffered damage, with preliminary estimates putting the losses at more than $5 million.

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Here we are, trying to face life again and move forward because we have no other choice.

The fire has also put the livelihoods of workers, merchants and informal vendors at risk. Nearly 100 people, including direct and indirect employees, could be affected. Workers said they were worried not only about the material losses, but also about whether their jobs would continue and how the disruption would affect families dependent on their income.

Aliscae Guadalupe, the owner of an affected business, said smoke, water and holes cut into the roof damaged the premises, although the rest remained in condition. “Here we are, trying to face life again and move forward because we have no other choice,” Guadalupe said.

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It is very difficult, but we have to thank God that no one was hurt.

The area remained closed while businesses assessed the damage. Firefighters from Chiriquí began mitigation work and removed debris, tasks needed before investigators can determine what caused the blaze. Edelka Contreras, a worker at the burned business, said: “It is very difficult, but we have to thank God that no one was hurt.” Fire Chief Catalino Rodríguez said the emergency showed the need to prepare workers and employees to confront disasters inside commercial structures. Firefighter operations could continue for roughly two more days while crews secure the area and complete the cleanup.

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Above all, we must prepare and be able to confront this catastrophe, remembering that the first line of force is the workers and employees of the stores inside these structures.