Flames billow above a burning paint factory in Peru Thursday. - Screencapture Via Via TV

Flames billow above a burning paint factory in Peru Thursday.

Screencapture Via Via TV

Blistering fireballs rose from a burning paint and thinner factory Thursday afternoon in Peru’s Ventanilla district.

At about 4:22 p.m., fire broke out at the plant located in the Pachacútec Industrial Park. Sixteen fire units responded to the scene. Also, police evacuated residents from nearby homes.

Fernán Ramírez, deputy manager of the Serenazgo of the Municipality of Ventanilla, said that explosions are hurling cans of burning paint thinner through the air.

Although property damage has been extensive, no casualties were reported, authorities said. Officials are concerned that two nearby municipal water cisterns may be contaminated.

There are also reports that residential property neighboring the plant has caught fire.

Ventanilla is one of seven districts that comprise the port city of Callao on Peru’s Pacific coast.

0 Comments