A large fire erupted on Wednesday morning at the Portones Salas material warehouse located in Cinco Esquinas, Tibás, generating a thick plume of smoke visible from various points across the Greater Metropolitan Area.

The Costa Rican Fire Department confirmed that the fire was ignited by welding work and renovations conducted inside the structure.

Héctor Chaves, the director of the Fire Department, explained that sparks from the welding process came into contact with flammable materials, instigating the blaze.

The flames quickly spread, prompting the mobilization of 20 fire units to manage the situation.

Despite the fire's severity, there were no reports of injuries.

The warehouse housed materials for ceiling construction, cardboard, paper, plastic, and PVC board, all of which are highly combustible.

The affected area spanned approximately 2,100 square meters.

Chaves noted that 6,000 square meters of adjacent structures in the southern and western sectors were saved from the fire.

Preliminary findings indicate that the incident was linked to the welding work.

Local resident Carlos Porras affirmed this account, describing how he was forced to leave his home due to the smoke.

He recounted witnessing large flames erupting from the neighboring warehouse, expressing concern for the safety of his home, which suffered some damage from the incident.

The fire ignited at 9 a.m. and was brought under control by midday.

Another nearby structure, the Cinco Esquinas community hall, faced potential threats from the advancing flames.

Roxana Salazar, the hall's administrator, voiced her apprehension about the situation, particularly due to the proximity of another warehouse storing polystyrene, an exceptionally flammable material.

“We know that polystyrene is just waiting for a spark, and it could lead to an unstoppable fire,” she warned.

Johnny Alfaro, president of the local committee, highlighted the prompt response of the community in evacuating elderly residents living near the fire.

Alfaro expressed gratitude for the efforts of community members, organizations, and emergency services who worked collaboratively to ensure safety.

He detailed the use of masks provided by the community emergency committee and the collective evacuation efforts initiated before the fire department arrived.

As the situation unfolded, neighbors returned to confirm that no one remained in the homes, particularly looking out for elderly individuals who might need assistance.

Alfaro remarked on the use of mobile phones to spread information swiftly, allowing families to collect their loved ones from the area.

Community efforts also included the removal of polystyrene from a small factory nearby, preventing a greater loss for the owner.

Carlos Alberto Solano, director of the Clorito Picado Clinic, announced the cancellation of appointments due to the incident, assuring that insured patients would be contacted for rescheduling.

Fortunately, no patients were in the emergency room during the fire; had there been, they would have been redirected to Hospital México.

The evacuation of the clinic was executed following protocols set by the Costa Rican Fire Department shortly before noon, with the official cancellation of services confirmed at 12:30 p.m.

This incident marks another significant fire in the region, as earlier in January, the Fire Department addressed a fire in a warehouse in El Higuerón, San Pedro de Montes de Oca, which consumed 4,300 square meters, causing extensive damage and necessitating the involvement of 75 firefighters and 18 units from multiple fire stations.