Atahualpa monument fire damages structure in Caranqui

A fire broke out on Sunday, September 6, at the Atahualpa Plaza in Caranqui, Ibarra, damaging a monument dedicated to the Inca Emperor that was currently under construction. The Ibarra Fire Department responded to the emergency at approximately 2:12 p.m., deploying eight firefighters, two fire engines, a water tanker, and an ambulance to control the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding areas of the park.

The Caranqui Urban Parish Council has expressed “deep concern” regarding the incident and is awaiting official reports from the Ibarra Fire Department, the Municipality of Ibarra, and the National Police to determine the cause of the fire. Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation and rumors while investigations are ongoing to prevent misinformation.

The Council has called for the continuation of the monument project once investigations are complete. They also proposed forming new technical working groups involving residents, historians, and community representatives to discuss the design and historical significance of the monument.