Fire in hydrocarbon warehouse in Lurín causes concern and closure.

A large fire shook the district of Lurín in Lima on Friday, August 2, when a hydrocarbon storage facility of the company Heaven Petroleum Operators S.A. (HPO Corp.) was engulfed in flames. The incident, which occurred around 2:30 p.m., generated a thick column of smoke visible from various points in the city and alerted the community, which quickly mobilized to inform emergency services. Nine units from the General Fire Department were deployed to control the fire, which has been reported as the result of a failure in the temperature sensor of one of the facility's machines, according to the Municipality of Lurín. Fortunately, the workers at the site were able to evacuate in a timely manner, although there were two cases of individuals with minor injuries who, according to authorities, are now out of danger. Images of the fire have caused great concern among local residents, who, alarmed by the black smoke rising into the sky, contacted the fire department to report the emergency. Miguel Solís, deputy manager of citizen security, indicated that his staff also provided support to the affected workers, highlighting the speed with which the situation was addressed. However, the situation became complicated when HPO Corp. initially denied entry to an inspection team from the municipality and the National Institute of Civil Defense (Indeci). This decision generated criticism and distrust among citizens, who demanded transparency regarding the safety conditions of the storage facility. Nevertheless, new information confirmed that, after the events unfolded, authorities were able to enter the premises to conduct the necessary inspections. After assessing the situation, the Municipality of Lurín decided to close the hydrocarbon storage facility, arguing that the company was not complying with the required safety regulations for its operation. Martín Román, the municipality's economic development manager, emphasized that the incident underscores the need for stricter regulation in the operation of such facilities, as the danger they pose to the community is undeniable. The analysis of safety conditions revealed that the fire was caused by the overheating of oil in the storage facility, a critical situation that could have been avoided if proper safety protocols had been followed. The municipality will initiate an administrative sanctioning procedure against the company as part of efforts to prevent future incidents. This event reiterates the importance of both companies and authorities working together to establish and adhere to industrial safety standards. The community of Lurín, which has experienced moments of tension and fear, now faces uncertainty about the future of HPO Corp.'s facilities and the safety of their surroundings. Authorities have reminded the public of the importance of being prepared for emergencies like this. In case of a fire, staying calm and following the evacuation route are vital actions. Additionally, citizens have been urged to immediately report to the fire department and not to return to at-risk areas until it is safe. The community of Lurín is facing a learning process after this incident. It is essential that efforts are made to improve industrial safety and to raise awareness among the population about how to respond to emergencies. Only through collective commitment can similar tragedies be prevented in the future.