A massive fire tore through a densely populated hillside neighborhood in San Juan de Miraflores, south of Lima, on Saturday afternoon, reducing entire blocks to ashes and forcing hundreds of families to flee with little more than what they could carry. Authorities estimate that at least 300 homes were damaged or destroyed, making it one of the district’s most devastating residential fires in recent years.
The blaze broke out in the Pamplona Alta area, known for its steep terrain and closely packed, largely improvised housing. What began as a small fire quickly escalated, fueled by strong winds, dry conditions, and highly flammable building materials. Flames spread rapidly from roof to roof through narrow pathways that made access difficult for emergency crews.
Residents described scenes of panic as thick smoke filled the sky and explosions echoed throughout the neighborhood. Many families had only minutes to escape, grabbing children, pets, and a few belongings before their homes were engulfed.
Firefighters from across Lima battled the flames for hours under challenging conditions, including limited water access and roads too narrow for vehicles. Despite these obstacles, crews eventually contained the fire, preventing it from spreading further.
Initial damage estimates varied, but as daylight revealed the extent of destruction, officials raised the figure to around 300 homes damaged or destroyed. Hundreds of residents were left homeless, many spending the night outdoors or in temporary shelters set up by local authorities and aid groups.
Investigators believe the fire may have originated at an illegal fireworks workshop in the area. Stored pyrotechnic materials likely intensified the blaze and caused explosions captured in videos shared on social media. Officials emphasized that the investigation is ongoing.
While no fatalities had been confirmed, several people were treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Authorities declared an emergency in the district and mobilized resources to assist displaced families.
Community leaders warned that informal hillside settlements like Pamplona Alta remain highly vulnerable to disasters due to unsafe construction, limited infrastructure, and poor access for emergency services. As residents sift through the charred remains of their homes, the focus now shifts to recovery and rebuilding—an uncertain and difficult process for hundreds of families whose lives were upended in a matter of minutes.