Major Fire Engulfs 120-Year-Old Colégio Marista in Central Santa Maria

Overview

• Firefighters were dispatched around 8:13 p.m. local time after flames were first noticed on Rua Floriano Peixoto, and nearby streets were isolated.
• Mayor Rodrigo Decimo said the city has deployed its full resources, including Civil Defense, with public safety the priority.
• Authorities have not confirmed injuries or whether anyone was inside the building when the fire began.
• Videos posted on social media show intense flames and a large dark smoke plume visible from several blocks away as crews work to contain the blaze.
• The century-old school is a downtown landmark, and federal deputies Paulo Pimenta and Fernanda Melchionna lamented the damage and called for prompt, rigorous inquiries.