Shopping Tijuca Fire: Forensic Work Stalled by Extreme Heat as 90-Hour Mop-Up Ends

Overview

• Police entered the site but stopped the on‑scene examination near the suspected ignition area due to temperatures around 70°C, and they requested shoring and other measures before proceeding.
• Investigators seized security‑camera footage and began taking statements, with additional key interviews rescheduled as the probe examines evacuation procedures and possible failures.
• Firefighters concluded roughly 90 hours of rescaldo, kept a unit on site for any flare‑ups, and previously opened wall breaches to vent smoke from the most affected areas.
• The mall remains closed with no reopening date as inspections cite floor deformation and mezzanine damage in the origin area, and authorities continue to evaluate safety systems.
• Authorities suggest the fire began in an air‑conditioning unit at the Bellart store, which reportedly lacked fire department approval, while the retailers’ union offers legal guidance to affected shop owners and about 40 cars await scheduled retrieval from the garage.