The fire at the small hotel in Porto Alegre, Brazil killed at least 10 people and injured 11, according to authorities. The three-story building provided affordable housing in single rooms and had a contract with the municipal government to shelter homeless individuals. The fire brigade of the Rio Grande do Sul state reported that the establishment did not have proper licensing and lacked an emergency fire plan. A witness who escaped the fire described the chaotic scene, stating that he only had time to grab his flip-flops before running out of the building, while his sister tragically died in the fire.
The hotel, known as Garoa Floresta, is part of the Garoa chain, which operates 22 other small hotels in Porto Alegre. This is not the first incident involving a fire in one of their hotels, as in 2022, another fire broke out in a different location, resulting in one death and 11 injuries. Porto Alegre Mayor Sebastião Melo revealed that the city had signed an agreement with the company in 2020 to use 400 of its rooms to house homeless individuals. However, following this tragic event, the contract will be investigated, and all 22 units of the chain will be inspected to ensure they comply with safety regulations.
The city hall of Porto Alegre had contracts for 16 rooms at the hotel where the fire occurred. Eight of the 11 individuals rescued from the fire are still hospitalized, with two in serious condition but not in life-threatening situations. It was mentioned that two of the individuals seeking medical attention were homeless, and all of the victims will now be provided with shelter elsewhere. The authorities are working to ensure the safety of all residents in similar establishments and to hold accountable those responsible for the lack of necessary safety measures at the hotel.
The devastating fire highlights the importance of proper licensing and emergency protocols in buildings that house vulnerable populations. The incident has prompted concerns about the safety of other social housing units operated by the Garoa chain and the responsibility of local governments in ensuring the well-being of residents. Efforts are underway to prevent similar tragedies in the future and to address any potential negligence or oversight that may have contributed to the deadly blaze.
As investigations continue into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the lack of safety measures at the hotel, the community is mourning the lives lost in this tragic event. The impact of the fire on the survivors, families of the victims, and the broader population of Porto Alegre serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and compliance with regulations in all residential facilities, particularly those serving marginalized communities. Authorities have pledged to take action to prevent such incidents from happening again and to ensure that all residents have access to safe and secure housing.
