Overview
- The blaze began around 7:30–8:00 p.m. and was brought under control between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m. after sweeping through clothing stalls.
- The Piura fire chief said crews ran out of water within 15 minutes and waited nearly 30 minutes for resupply, allowing the flames to spread.
- Mutual-aid units from Santa Rosa, Catacaos and Paita supported more than 40 firefighters, while police presence helped prevent looting.
- Merchants estimate total damages above S/500,000, with roughly S/30,000 in losses per affected owner and some reporting they lost everything.
- Traders and witnesses allege welding work sparked the fire, and officials note it is the market’s second blaze in 2025 as investigations move forward.