A large fire destroyed the Teatro da PUCPR in Curitiba on the evening of April 15, 2025, during a lab coat delivery ceremony for medical students. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The fire ignited around 6:30 PM in the Tuca Theater, located on the ground floor of Bloco Azul, which houses various courses including Engineering, Architecture, Journalism, and Design. The auditorium, which had a capacity of 640 people, was filled with students and faculty at the time.
According to reports from the Fire Department, the initial suspicion points to a failure in the air conditioning system, exacerbated by a power outage, as the cause of the blaze. The building had passed its recent safety inspections, confirming it was suitable for hosting events.
As the flames spread rapidly, evacuations were conducted swiftly. Approximately 1,500 students were present in Bloco Azul, and all were safely evacuated without injury. The university's fire brigade, alongside local firefighters, managed to control the flames within an hour, utilizing around 220,000 liters of water in the process.
Damage from the fire was significant, affecting approximately 9,000 square meters, primarily on the third floor and the amphitheater. The university reported that the fire caused only material damage, with no extension to other parts of the institution.
In light of the incident, classes at PUCPR were suspended for Wednesday, April 16, 2025, and employees were instructed to work remotely. The university communicated with the academic community, urging them to stay updated through official channels and to refrain from spreading misinformation.
Vice-Rector Vidal Martins expressed the collective sadness felt by faculty and staff, stating that it felt as though "their home had caught fire." However, he emphasized the comforting fact that no one was harmed during the incident.
As the investigation into the fire's cause continues, the scientific police are expected to provide a report within 30 days. The university community has received support from various institutions and local officials, with many expressing solidarity and encouragement during this challenging time.
The Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR) publicly extended its support, reaffirming the partnership between the two institutions. Similarly, the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) shared its condolences and urged resilience among PUCPR’s community.
Mayor Eduardo Pimentel of Curitiba also offered the city’s support, stating that the municipality stands ready to assist PUCPR. State Representative Ana Júlia conveyed her hope and strength to the academic community, highlighting that PUCPR is more than just buildings and books; it embodies dreams, discoveries, and memories.
As the university prepares for a return to normalcy, the focus remains on rebuilding and restoring the affected areas while ensuring the safety and well-being of its students and staff. The university plans to resume classes on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as it works diligently to recover from the fire's aftermath.
In summary, while the destruction of the Teatro da PUCPR is a significant loss for the community, the swift response from emergency services and the absence of injuries provide a silver lining amidst the devastation. The university community is rallying together, determined to move forward and rebuild what was lost.
