Fire crews raced to a burning building on Veraguas Street in Panama City’s historic district Wednesday night, marking the second major blaze in less than a week. The Casco Antiguo neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture, faced another emergency just days after a separate fire displaced dozens of families.
The Panama Fire Department confirmed crews were on scene but has not yet released details about the extent of the damage or whether anyone was injured. Officials are still gathering information as the situation develops.
Power Cut as Precaution
Energy company Naturgy announced it had temporarily suspended electricity service in parts of Casco Antiguo and the neighboring San Felipe area at the request of firefighters. The company stated that power would be restored only after authorities give the green light. This precautionary measure helps prevent additional sparks or electrical hazards while crews battle the flames.
The latest incident comes less than 72 hours after a predawn fire on June 28 along Calle 12 destroyed part of another colonial structure. That blaze, which investigators believe started from an electrical short circuit or spark, left 79 people affected and 22 families without homes. Many of those families are now relying on temporary shelter and community support.
Historic District Under Pressure
Casco Antiguo draws tourists from around the world for its cobblestone streets and restored Spanish colonial buildings. But many structures in the district remain in fragile condition, with aging wiring and wooden frameworks that make them vulnerable to fire. The back-to-back incidents have raised concerns about building safety standards and emergency preparedness in the area.
Local residents have expressed frustration, saying more needs to be done to prevent these disasters. Some point to overcrowded living conditions in older buildings, where multiple families share spaces not designed for modern electrical loads. The June 28 fire showed how quickly a small electrical issue can escalate into a tragedy affecting dozens of people.
#AEstaHora | Personal del @BCBRP atiende emergencia cia por incendio de dos edificaciones construidas de cemento y madera, en Santa Ana, detrás del local conocido como La Mayor. Se pide apoyo a Personal voluntario. pic.twitter.com/iCR4Xj5uoM
— Emergencias Panamá (@SOS_PTY) July 2, 2026
Emergency Response Challenges
Fighting fires in Casco Antiguo presents unique difficulties. Narrow streets limit access for fire trucks, and the dense layout of centuries-old buildings allows flames to spread rapidly between structures. The Panama fire emergency response system has faced scrutiny in recent years, with calls for better equipment and training tailored to historic urban environments.
Authorities have not yet said whether the Wednesday night fire is connected to the earlier incident. Investigators are expected to examine the scene once the flames are fully extinguished. The Fire Department has urged anyone with information to come forward.
For now, the focus remains on containing the blaze and ensuring no one is trapped inside. The coming days will bring more clarity on the cause and the full scale of the damage. But for the families and business owners in this historic quarter, the fear of another fire is already very real.