Fire at L&R Commercial reignites concerns over string of warehouse blazes

A fire destroyed an L&R Comercial branch over the weekend, reigniting concerns over a series of commercial blazes in the country this year, many preliminarily attributed to electrical failures. Most people detained for looting during the incident were released after just over 40 hours in custody. The fire adds to a 2026 pattern, including a March blaze at Garrido warehouses on Duarte Avenue, a fire at a Banco de Reservas storage center, a February L&R fire in Villa Mella, and a July fire at a Chinese-owned business in Santo Domingo Oeste. Authorities continue investigating the latest cause. Fire Chief Roberto Santos Méndez cited electrical failures and continuously running equipment as main causes, noting large warehouses face higher risk due to combustible inventory. He recommended inventory organization, separating flammable materials, and periodic electrical inspections, while specialists highlight insurance policies to cover losses.