On Wednesday evening, a major fire broke out in a shop in the Rochapea district of Pamplona, prompting the urgent evacuation of residents from four apartment buildings. The blaze engulfed the premises on Marcelo Celayeta Avenue, and by Thursday morning firefighters were still battling isolated flames inside the building. Despite steady progress in extinguishing the fire, the threat has not yet been fully eliminated.
People inside the store initially tried to put out the fire themselves, but their efforts were unsuccessful, making it necessary to call emergency services. Two individuals suffered mild smoke inhalation but did not require hospitalization. Other residents from the evacuated buildings had to spend the night away from their homes—some stayed with relatives, while others used temporary housing provided by local authorities.
Firefighters are carefully inspecting each apartment to ensure there is no lingering smoke and to assess air quality. Special attention is being paid to room temperatures, as some units—particularly those directly above the affected shop—remain dangerously hot. This could delay the return of residents indefinitely.
Restrictions and safety measures for residents
Traffic between Garde and Ansoáin streets remains closed in the area, but pedestrians are now allowed to use the sidewalks. Residents nearby are advised not to leave their homes unless necessary and to wear FFP2 masks outdoors due to possible toxic smoke. These precautions are in place because combustion products may linger in the air for some time.
Firefighters and technical experts continue to monitor the situation. Only after their assessment will a decision be made regarding residents’ return to their apartments. In some cases, especially for homes directly above the store, residents’ return may be delayed due to lingering heat and the risk of re-ignition.
Causes of the fire and progress of the investigation
The official cause of the fire has not yet been established. The investigation is being conducted by the National Police, who have already begun inspecting the scene and collecting necessary data. In the coming days, experts are expected to determine the origin of the fire and why attempts to extinguish it independently were unsuccessful.
Residents of the evacuated buildings understand the safety measures and are waiting for permission to return home. City officials assure that all necessary resources for temporary accommodation have been provided and that the situation is fully under control.
A return to normal life is just a matter of time
While firefighters continue their work and experts assess the condition of the buildings, residents of the four affected houses are forced to wait. Some may be able to return home within the day, while others will have to wait until a full safety inspection is completed. Authorities emphasize that the health and safety of people remain the top priority, so there will be no rush to allow residents back.
The fire at the Pamplona store was a serious challenge for local residents, but the coordinated efforts of emergency services and support from the municipality offer hope for a swift return to normal life in the Rochapea neighborhood.
