Fire in a building in Caballito: 19 people are affected and the firefighters' operation continues

A fire broke out early Friday morning in a building located in the Caballito neighborhood of Buenos Aires, leaving at least 19 people affected. Nine individuals required hospitalization due to smoke inhalation, while emergency services continued their operations to manage the situation and assist residents. The blaze started around 4 AM in an apartment on the second floor of a ten-story building situated on Rosario Street near number 160. Emergency personnel from the City's Fire Department and the Emergency Medical Care System (SAME) responded promptly to the incident. They attended to 19 people who exhibited symptoms consistent with smoke inhalation. Of these, nine were transported to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment. The authorities have yet to determine the cause of the fire, and investigations are ongoing to identify how the flames began. The fire department deployed significant resources to extinguish the flames, prevent their spread, and ensure the safe evacuation of building occupants. Initial speculation points toward a possible electrical fault in a stove as a potential cause, though official findings will confirm this hypothesis. Eyewitness accounts provide insight into the chaos experienced during the incident. One witness, Oscar, the building’s caretaker, described waking up to sounds and shouts he initially thought were arguments. His daughter alerted him to the presence of a fire, and upon opening the door, he found the hallway filled with smoke. Alongside his daughter and seven-year-old grandson, he decided to ascend to the rooftop to escape the smoke, eventually reaching safety by crossing over to an adjacent building. Another resident living on the ninth floor stated she did not see flames but noticed thick smoke. She became aware of the situation when she heard the arrival of fire trucks. These firsthand experiences highlight the rapid progression of the fire and the urgency faced by those inside the building. According to official statistics from the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, in 2025 alone, the city's firefighters intervened in 7,364 fires. This included 4,428 structural fires, 910 vehicle-related incidents, and 2,026 fires occurring in public spaces. These figures underscore the frequency and scale of firefighting efforts undertaken by the department in response to such emergencies. As the investigation continues, officials remain focused on determining the exact cause of the fire. Until then, the community remains under the watchful eye of emergency responders ensuring the area remains secure. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire prevention measures and the critical role played by emergency services in protecting lives and property. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to remain vigilant and follow any updates issued by local authorities. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will likely influence future safety protocols and awareness campaigns aimed at preventing similar occurrences. In the meantime, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring the well-being of the community.