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Investigators are still determining the exact cause, but early reports suggest an unauthorized fireworks workshop may have accelerated the blaze. Improperly stored flammable chemicals and devices could have amplified the fire, highlighting the risks posed by informal, home-based businesses operating in dense residential areas. The tragedy underscores the precarious nature of Lima’s hillside settlements: overcrowded homes, flammable materials, limited infrastructure, and unsafe underground activities create a perfect storm for disaster.