The sky turned orange before anyone fully understood what was happening. What had begun as an ordinary Saturday in Pamplona Alta quickly transformed into a desperate fight for survival as flames spread through the densely packed neighborhood, sending thick clouds of smoke over homes, streets, and stairways.
Within minutes, families were running through smoke-filled alleys, carrying children, documents, medicines, and whatever belongings they could grab. Others stood helplessly at a distance, watching flames consume homes that had taken years to build. For many residents, the fire left little time to think about what could be saved and what would have to be abandoned.
By the time the flames were brought under control, hundreds of people were facing the possibility of spending the night — and perhaps much longer — without a home.
The scale of the destruction was overwhelming. Roofs collapsed, walls were blackened, personal belongings disappeared beneath piles of debris, and entire sections of the neighborhood were left unrecognizable. Places that had once been kitchens, bedrooms, family gathering spaces, and small businesses were reduced to twisted metal, ash, and broken concrete.
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