During the velitas weekend, Cali faced a sharp rise in emergencies, with firefighters reporting 16 structural fires. This number far exceeds the usual one per weekend. The surge is linked to holiday decorations and pyrotechnics.
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos Voluntarios de Cali reported that during the recent velitas weekend, they handled 16 structural fires, a figure well above the average of one per weekend. This highlights the heightened risks at the start of the holiday season, when celebrations boost emergencies in homes and businesses.
Key causes include heavy use of decorative lights, overloads on outlets, and makeshift electrical setups. Additionally, candles placed near flammable materials and unsafe handling of pyrotechnics add to the hazards. December sees the highest number of such incidents: in 2024, 62 structural fires occurred in the month, against an average of 35 in others, marking a 77% increase.
The most affected areas are family homes and small shops in neighborhoods with outdated or poorly maintained electrical grids. Common risks involve uncertified extension cords, low-quality holiday lights, and decorations near curtains or dry trees.
To reduce these threats, firefighters urge avoiding electrical overloads, checking cables and lights prior to use, and choosing certified products. They advise turning off lights when sleeping or leaving home, keeping candles supervised and away from combustibles, and avoiding pyrotechnics in residential areas. Using surge protectors and balancing electrical loads can prevent short circuits. For emergencies, Cali's 119 line is available around the clock.