A dramatic fire declared during the early hours of this Monday in Chamberí has burned the wooden structure of the roof of a building and caused its collapse. The property has become temporarily uninhabitable, without water or electricity supply.
The fire originated on the top floor of number 52 on García de Paredes street for reasons that are still under investigation. The flames spread rapidly through the roof structure, reached both facades, and ultimately caused the roof to collapse onto the interior of the property.
No injuries or seriously affected individuals have been reported, despite the intensity of the fire and the material damage caused.
Eighteen fire crews
A total of 18 crews from the Madrid City Council Firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The teams focused their efforts on preventing the fire from spreading through the roof to the adjacent building.
As a preventive measure, emergency services evacuated both the affected property and the neighboring building. The presence of few residents at the time of the fire facilitated the evacuation, as many of the neighbors were outside Madrid.
The apartments on the upper floors have suffered direct damage from the fire and the collapse. The lower floors have also been affected by smoke and by the water used during the extinguishing efforts.
The building remains temporarily uninhabitable
During the morning, firefighters accessed the property along with municipal building control technicians to assess the state of the structure and check the safety of the property.
The inspection determined that the residents will not be able to return to their homes yet. The building lacks water and electricity and will remain uninhabitable while reviews and necessary work to ensure its stability continue.
Neighbors have been able to enter on a limited basis, accompanied by emergency teams, to collect medications, documentation, and other essential personal effects.
Samur Social assists seven families
Samur Social has taken on the care of residents who needed housing alternatives. A total of 15 people, made up of seven families, have had to be relocated by the municipal service.
The device has also managed the accommodation of the pets of those affected, including a dog. The municipal services will maintain assistance while the residents cannot return to the property.