A large fire broke out at the Girassol supermarket located on Segunda Avenida, Meia Praia, Itapema, on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023. The fire, which started around 10:30 AM, drew the attention of locals and tourists alike, as thick black smoke billowed from the building.
Firefighters from the Corpo de Bombeiros Militar de Santa Catarina (CBMSC) quickly responded to the emergency, employing multiple fire trucks and teams skilled at combating large blazes. Lt. Gonçalves, who led the extinguishing effort, reported to NDTV Record Itajaí, "The fire started on the second floor of the bakery area of the supermarket, and fortunately, the building was closed at the time, so no one was inside."
The operation necessitated the closure of surrounding roads to aid the firefighting efforts. By midday, the fire was still being battled, and at least three fire trucks were deployed to manage the situation and prevent the flames from spreading to nearby structures. Visibility was greatly impaired due to the amount of smoke, prompting local police and municipal guard teams to maintain distance and control the crowd gathered to witness the incident.
Despite the chaos, there were no injuries reported, as the supermarket was unstaffed and closed when the fire erupted. Video footage captured by onlookers shows extensive flames consuming the building, which has been one of the popular shopping destinations for residents and visitors alike. The local government has assured citizens of their safety, stating, "Our emergency services are handling the situation effectively. Our top priority is ensuring public safety."
Local businesses and residents were reminded to remain vigilant and steer clear of the area due to the potential hazards involved with firefighting efforts and the compromised structure of the supermarket itself. At the time of the incident, traffic was being rerouted to Terceira Avenida, creating delays for motorists.
While investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, officials continue to monitor the site. Witnesses reported hearing explosions, though it's unclear what caused this. Emergency personnel are still on-site conducting assessments as the fire begins to die down.
Itapema, known for its scenic beaches and vibrant tourism during the summer holidays, will now face the repercussions of this devastating event. Local news outlets have been providing constant updates, assuring the community of the diligent efforts by the firefighters and emergency services.
With the incident still developing, the local authorities have promised to keep the public informed as more details emerge, particularly concerning the cause of the fire and the overall impact on the community and local businesses.
People are reminded to stay updated through reliable media channels as the story develops. Emergency operations are expected to last throughout the day, with crews remaining on the scene to assist with the aftermath.
