The fire began in the mid-afternoon and quickly grew out of control, driven by strong winds, steep terrain, and the highly flammable materials used in many of the homes. Sheets of plywood, plastic roofing, scrap wood, and other combustible materials allowed flames to leap rapidly from one structure to the next, creating a wall of fire that overwhelmed residents within minutes.
Firefighters from across Lima were dispatched to the scene, battling the blaze for hours under extremely difficult conditions. Narrow roads, limited access points, and the lack of formal infrastructure slowed emergency response efforts. Water supply issues further complicated containment, forcing crews to rely on tanker trucks and long hose lines stretched uphill through debris and smoke.
