Fire at Dircabi warehouse in Tablada Grande causes significant material losses.

The fire that broke out at the General Directorate of Registration, Control, and Administration of Seized Goods (Dircabi) in Tablada Grande has highlighted the vulnerability of certain facilities to the harshness of the weather. The incident, initially caused by a forest fire, was exacerbated by strong gusts of wind that carried the flames toward the vehicle storage area, causing significant damage and raising concerns among local residents. According to the official report, the fire started around 1:40 PM, and after a brief period, it spread to the state property. By 4:15 PM, the firefighting and cooling efforts had concluded, thanks to the rapid intervention of the Police Firefighters and the volunteer group Caballeros de Fuego. However, during that time, a considerable amount of property was lost, including 61 vehicles and three motorcycles, representing a significant loss for state assets. Neighbors living nearby had to evacuate their homes due to the imminent threat posed by the flames. Many shared their terrifying experiences as they listened to the sound of burning metal, a scene that left a deep mark on the community. The presence of a dense, dark smoke covering the area made the situation even more alarming, reflecting the severity of the fire that had erupted. The departmental police commander, Colonel Gregorio Illanes, provided crucial information regarding the incident. He described how the wind fanned the flames, complicating the firefighting efforts even further. Illanes emphasized that, although the firefighters arrived quickly with their equipment, the magnitude of the fire necessitated the collaboration of other entities, including local authorities and volunteers, who joined forces to combat the blaze. The mayor of Tarija, Johnny Torres, arrived at the scene to oversee the fire control efforts. He announced the availability of water tankers to supply water, as well as the presence of a mobile health unit to address any emergencies related to the evacuation of residents. The swift response of the authorities was key in preventing personal injuries, which is a relief amid the material devastation. Although no injuries were reported in the incident, the community now faces the aftermath of this disaster. The loss of 61 vehicles and three motorcycles represents not only material damage but also concerns about safety and the ability to respond to future similar incidents. The vulnerability of state facilities to natural phenomena should be a point of reflection for the relevant authorities. The department’s government also arrived at the scene, collaborating with firefighting efforts and supporting the Departmental Health Service (SEDES) to ensure the health and safety of neighboring residents. This joint work between different entities is an example of how cooperation can be essential in emergency situations. The community of Tablada Grande, while relieved that there were no human losses, now faces the task of rebuilding what has been lost. This event underscores the need to implement preventive measures and risk management strategies to mitigate the impact of future fires and other natural events. In summary, the fire at the Dircabi storage facility has revealed the importance of preparedness and rapid action in emergency situations. Collaboration between agencies and training for response teams are essential to safeguard not only material goods but also the safety of citizens. The community now awaits answers and solutions to prevent such an event from happening again in the future.