Guayaquil’s Multicomercio Building Partially Collapses After Massive Fire — 150 Firefighters Respond

Downtown Guayaquil experienced its most dramatic emergency in years on Tuesday when a massive fire consumed the Multicomercio commercial building, causing a partial structural collapse and prompting evacuations across several city blocks.

What Happened

The fire broke out around 7:00 AM on February 11 in a warehouse section of the Multicomercio building — a large commercial complex located at the intersection of Eloy Alfaro and Cuenca streets in Guayaquil’s busy downtown Bahía commercial district.

The blaze escalated through the day:

• 7:00 AM: Fire reported in warehouse area storing household items and appliances
• 11:00 AM: Flames initially subsided, but then reactivated when reaching flammable materials deeper in the building
• ~4:30 PM: The rear section of the building collapsed due to extreme heat — temperatures reportedly reached 700°C
• 24+ hours later: Firefighters continued cooling operations and structural damage assessment

The fire was elevated to alarm level 3 — the maximum — triggering a multi-canton response.

Emergency Response

• 150 firefighters from Guayaquil and neighboring Samborondón
• 49 response units including 14 combat vehicles, two ladder trucks, a rescue unit, and an ambulance
• Municipal heavy machinery was deployed to break walls for debris access
• Three firefighters were treated for conditions related to the operation — none seriously injured

The Damage

The rear warehouse section collapsed entirely. The Emergency Operations Committee (COE) warned of potential structural weakening in three adjacent towers due to the extreme heat exposure. Traffic remains restricted from Brasil Street to Olmedo and intersecting streets.

The smoke column was visible across the city, from the northern Pedro Menéndez Gilbert Avenue to the Municipal Palace area.

No Casualties — But the Bahía Impact Is Massive

Remarkably, no deaths or serious injuries have been reported among civilians. The Bahía district, however, is one of Guayaquil’s most important commercial zones — thousands of small merchants operate in and around the Multicomercio complex. The economic impact on these vendors, many of whom stored inventory in the warehouse, will be significant.

What This Means for Expats

• If you’re in Guayaquil: Avoid the downtown Bahía area until structural assessments are complete. The COE has warned about three surrounding towers — this is an active safety zone
• Traffic: Multiple blocks around the building remain closed. If you drive through downtown Guayaquil, use alternate routes. The closure affects traffic from Brasil to Olmedo
• Air quality: Residual smoke may affect air quality in central Guayaquil for several days. If you have respiratory sensitivities, limit outdoor time in the downtown area
• Shopping: If you normally buy electronics, appliances, or household goods in the Bahía district, those vendors are displaced. Expect disruption in the informal commercial market
• Historical echo: Guayaquileños are comparing this to a devastating 1997 commercial fire in the same area. Building safety standards in older commercial structures remain a concern

Sources: El Universo, Expreso, Primicias