Bermeo on fire:

Old town of Bermeo hit by fire, 

five buildings burned to the ground

The town of Bermeo had suffered one of the most dramatic episodes. It had happened on April 11^th. About seventy inhabitants from the old town had to retire their homes. The fire was reported shortly after 04:00 in the morning at a four-story house in the Juan Nardiz street, in the heart of the old town.

Three fire fighters and two police officers were slightly injured and treated at the scene for gas inhalation. Four of the affected buildings collapsed as a result of the fire and three more will likely have to be pulled down.

Heavy rain in the afternoon aided the efforts of 40 firefighters to bring the blaze under control, which Bizkaia fire chief Javier Setién said had been achieved by the evening. “The fire has been contained and we don’t think it will flare up again, although we still have work to do. It’s going to take a few more hours,” he said.

Crews remain at the scene Thursday afternoon, dealing with hot spots. It has not been determined yet what caused the blaze, but some sources say it might have been a short-circuit.

The entire town and institutions like Red Cross has overturned with the affected ones, offering them their support, clothes and food. The Deputation of Biscay had offered a place to live until their homes are repaired. People from everywhere had shown their condolences to the affected ones.

This terrible day couldn’t be forgotten by people from Bermeo; some of our friends and acquaintances had lost their houses and memories.

By Arnaitz Ormaza and Gaizka Sanchez