Fire Destroys 5–7 Homes in Santos’ Vila Gilda Stilt Community

Overview

• The blaze began around 6 p.m. on February 3 on Rua Caminho São Sebastião in the Dique da Vila Gilda, considered Brazil’s largest stilt-built favela.
• Five fire engines with 14 firefighters contained the flames and prevented further spread to nearby dwellings.
• Civil Defense, power utility CPFL, and traffic agency CET were activated to assist with safety measures and site access.
• No injuries were reported by the fire department, and crews were conducting mop-up operations on February 4.
• Videos posted on social media show residents throwing water on the wooden structures as heavy smoke rose over the area.