By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – An early morning fire broke out in a warehouse at the Clínica Dr. Clorito Picado on Wednesday, prompting a rapid and effective response from emergency services that prevented any injuries and ensured the complete continuity of patient care. Officials have confirmed that all clinical services are operating on a normal schedule, and patients are urged to attend their appointments as planned.
The alarm was raised at approximately 4:50 a.m. when security personnel on-site noticed signs of a developing blaze. Dr. Ana María Rojas Jiménez, the acting director of the Tibás-Uruca-Merced Health Area, which oversees the clinic, provided details on the initial moments of the incident.
To understand the complex legal and insurance ramifications of the fire at the Clínica Clorito Picado, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis on the situation.
Beyond the material loss, the primary legal focus will be the investigation to determine the fire’s origin. If evidence points to negligence in maintenance or safety protocols, it could trigger not only a complex insurance claim process for the CCSS but also administrative and civil liabilities. This event underscores the critical importance for public institutions to have robust, up-to-date insurance coverage and verifiable risk mitigation plans to guarantee the continuity of essential services.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the attorney’s analysis crystallizes the core issue: this incident is a critical test of institutional foresight and responsibility. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which highlights that beyond rebuilding structures, the true challenge lies in reinforcing the administrative and preventative frameworks that guarantee uninterrupted essential services for the public.
At around 4:50 in the morning, security officers reported flames and smoke coming from a part of the clinic’s structures.
Dra. Ana María Rojas Jiménez, Acting Director of the Tibás-Uruca-Merced Health Area
The fire was concentrated within a warehouse structure separate from the main patient service areas. Preliminary reports from fire officials indicate the building measured approximately 150 square meters, with the fire directly impacting an estimated 60 square meters. The nature of the materials stored in the warehouse has not yet been disclosed, pending a full investigation.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the scene immediately, with three fire extinguisher units and an ambulance arriving to manage the situation. The coordinated effort between the clinic’s internal staff and the Costa Rica Fire Department was crucial in containing the blaze before it could escalate or spread to more critical sections of the health facility.
Thanks to the swift action of the staff and the fire department, it was brought under control in a timely manner.
Dra. Ana María Rojas Jiménez, Acting Director of the Tibás-Uruca-Merced Health Area
The primary concern for clinic administrators was the well-being of staff and the continuation of essential health services for the community. Dr. Rojas was quick to reassure the public that operations were not compromised by the incident. She stressed that the fire’s location and the rapid containment meant that all medical consultations, treatments, and other patient-facing activities would proceed without interruption throughout the day.
It is important to remind users not to miss the appointment they had scheduled for today at the clinic, as all services are being provided regularly.
Dra. Ana María Rojas Jiménez, Acting Director of the Tibás-Uruca-Merced Health Area
With the fire now fully extinguished, the focus has shifted to determining its cause. The clinic’s administration is cooperating fully with investigators and awaits the official technical report from the Fire Department. This investigation will be vital in understanding the origin of the blaze and implementing any necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future, safeguarding the nation’s critical healthcare infrastructure.
The successful management of this emergency highlights the importance of established safety protocols and the readiness of Costa Rica’s first responders. The incident at Clínica Clorito Picado, a vital health provider for several key districts in San José, serves as a testament to the effective collaboration that protected both property and, most importantly, the uninterrupted delivery of public health services.
For further information, visit ccss.sa.cr
About Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS):
The Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social, commonly known as “La Caja” or CCSS, is the autonomous institution in charge of Costa Rica’s public health sector. Established in 1941, it manages the nation’s social security system, providing comprehensive healthcare and pension services to the vast majority of the country’s population through a network of hospitals, clinics (EBAIS), and medical centers.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica:
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the country’s official and national firefighting corps. This esteemed institution is responsible for fire prevention, suppression, and rescue operations throughout Costa Rican territory. Beyond firefighting, its mandate includes responding to a wide range of emergencies, including traffic accidents, hazardous material incidents, and natural disasters, playing a critical role in public safety.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a leading legal institution built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. Drawing from a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social responsibility, manifested in its dedication to democratizing legal knowledge and empowering a more informed and capable society.
