Firefighters warn of the risk of falling debris in a building in Arrecife after chunks fell

The Lanzarote Security and Emergency Consortium intervened this Friday in a building on Luis Braille Street, in Arrecife, after debris fell from a balcony. The damage to the plasterwork is widespread and firefighters recommend installing scaffolding to ensure safety.

Residents of a building on Luis Braille Street in Arrecife have been living in worry since this Friday after chunks fell from a balcony. The Lanzarote and La Graciosa Security and Emergency Consortium arrived at the scene after receiving a call from the Emergency and Security Coordination Centre (CECOES) and confirmed that the problem was not isolated, but affects a large part of the façade.

Widespread damage to the plasterwork

According to the firefighters' report, the damage is not limited to the initial point of detachment. The plasterwork of several homes is in a deteriorated state, with a risk of further debris falling at various points. The extent of the damage and the difficulty of access have led the teams to consider that they cannot act with their usual means.

The aerial ladder, for example, cannot be used because there is not enough space to manoeuvre. Firefighters state that this is a specialised masonry job that requires the installation of scaffolding. In the meantime, they warn of the danger of new falls from the façade.

Intervention by the Local Police

After the inspection, the firefighters informed the Local Police of Arrecife, which has requested the technical report to take appropriate measures. The Consortium insists that it is necessary to act as soon as possible to secure the building and prevent accidents. Residents, for their part, hope that the situation will be resolved without any personal injuries.

Such incidents are not common in the capital of Lanzarote, but they highlight the importance of maintaining façades, especially in old buildings. Luis Braille Street, in the heart of Arrecife, usually has a lot of pedestrian traffic, so the risk of someone getting injured was real.

For now, pedestrians are advised to exercise extreme caution when passing through the area and to avoid stopping under the affected building's façade. The Local Police may cordon off the area if the technical assessment deems it necessary. Residents hope that the owner or the community of owners will undertake the repair works as soon as possible.