Downtown Fires

It's always sad to see the damage from fire, especially in old historic areas like Cuenca.

There were 2 dramatic fires here within a week, last month.

The first one was very close to the famous New Cathedral.  No damage to the Cathedral, except for some broken windows.  The old, old seminary that burned was under renovation.  200 year old murals, just renovated, went up in smoke, along with most of that building.

We walked the area the next day.  You can see the blackened area here.  Heavy burned smell in the air.

The street was cordoned off with military.

About a week and a half later, we walked this area again.  The street was still blocked to traffic and the businesses in the burned building were still closed.  But, walkers could walk along the street on the opposite side. 

Businesses across from the damaged area are open. 

More pics of the damage.

 

  Officials say the closed busineses will remain closed for awhile. Some have relocated. 

The 2nd fire, also in the historic area, was a few blocks away.  This picture doesn't look like much from the street, but we hear the flames were very high and the top floor of this 3rd floor building was destroyed.  You can see the black tarp and broken windows.

 

Both fires are under investigation.