By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A destructive fire that swept through a section of the Las Brisas Free Zone in Desamparados on Sunday has been officially ranked as one of the most significant industrial disasters in Costa Rica in over a decade. The blaze, which required a massive emergency response, has not only topped the list for incidents in 2025 but has also secured a place as the third-largest fire by area affected since 2014, according to official data.
The incident, which began on Sunday, November 23, initially scorched an estimated 10,000 square meters of the industrial park. However, by Monday morning, the Costa Rican Fire Department (Cuerpo de Bomberos) revised the figure upwards, confirming that a total of 12,000 square meters were destroyed. This updated assessment underscores the sheer ferocity and scale of the event, which sent plumes of smoke billowing over the southern districts of the capital.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications and potential liabilities stemming from this industrial fire, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Beyond the immediate tragedy, an industrial fire triggers a complex legal cascade. The primary focus will be on determining liability, which often involves meticulous investigation into compliance with safety regulations and maintenance protocols. For the affected business, the fine print of their insurance policies becomes critical, as coverage can be denied if negligence is proven. Furthermore, depending on the findings, corporate officers could face not only civil claims for damages but also potential criminal charges for failing to ensure a safe working environment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal embers of such an incident can smolder long after the flames are extinguished, underscoring that the true cost is measured not only in property damage but in protracted legal battles and potential criminal liability. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into this complex and often overlooked aftermath.
The magnitude of the fire places it firmly at the top of the most damaging incidents for 2025, far surpassing the year’s second-largest event. For comparison, the fire at Parqueo Manita in San Pedro de Montes de Oca in January affected 5,959 square meters, less than half the area of the Las Brisas disaster. Other significant fires this year included a poultry farm in San Carlos (2,250 sq. meters) and an industrial gate company in Tibás (2,045 sq. meters).
When viewed through a historical lens, the severity of the Desamparados fire becomes even more apparent. Data compiled by the Fire Department from 2014 to the present day reveals that only two other events have caused more widespread destruction. Both of those record-setting fires occurred at the same facility, Empaques Santa Ana in El Coyol, Alajuela, which saw 19,800 square meters burn in May 2020 and another 18,500 square meters in February 2022.
The Las Brisas fire now stands as the third most destructive in this 11-year period, surpassing a 2020 fire at TransUnión in Sarapiquí (9,200 sq. meters) and a 2014 blaze at a plastic recycling plant, also in Desamparados (9,131 sq. meters). This pattern highlights the vulnerability of industrial and manufacturing facilities to large-scale, catastrophic fires.
As of Monday afternoon, the operational phase of the emergency response was still underway. A contingent of approximately 50 firefighters remained at the scene, diligently working to extinguish remaining hotspots and prevent any potential re-ignition of the flames. This cooling and monitoring phase is critical to ensuring the site is completely secure before the next stage can begin.
Once firefighting crews declare the area safe, the Fire Department’s specialized Investigations Department will take over the scene. Their meticulous work will involve collecting evidence and analyzing the debris to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. Given the significant economic value of the properties and goods within a free trade zone, the findings of this investigation will be crucial for the affected businesses and their insurers.
The economic fallout from the fire is expected to be substantial. Free trade zones like Las Brisas are vital engines of the Costa Rican economy, hosting companies involved in manufacturing, logistics, and services for the export market. The destruction of 12,000 square meters of facilities likely represents a significant disruption to supply chains, a loss of inventory and capital assets, and an uncertain future for the employees of the affected enterprises.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica:
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the nation’s official firefighting and emergency response agency. Tasked with preventing and combating fires, providing assistance in natural disasters, and responding to various emergencies, the organization plays a critical role in public safety. It also conducts investigations into the causes of fires and promotes fire safety education throughout the country.
For further information, visit empaquesantaana.com
About Empaques Santa Ana:
Empaques Santa Ana is a leading company in Costa Rica specializing in the design and manufacturing of packaging solutions, particularly corrugated cardboard boxes. Serving a wide range of industries including agriculture, food and beverage, and manufacturing, the company is a key player in the national supply chain for both domestic consumption and exports.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Zona Franca Las Brisas
About Zona Franca Las Brisas:
Zona Franca Las Brisas is an industrial park located in Desamparados, San José, operating under Costa Rica’s free trade zone regime. It hosts a variety of national and international companies that benefit from tax incentives to produce goods and services for export. These zones are fundamental to Costa Rica’s foreign direct investment strategy and a major source of employment.
For further information, visit the nearest office of TransUnión
About TransUnión:
TransUnión is a company located in the Sarapiquí region that was affected by a major industrial fire in 2020. The incident at its facility in La Virgen de Sarapiquí was one of the largest recorded in the past decade, highlighting the operational risks faced by industrial enterprises located outside of the Greater Metropolitan Area.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is built on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of advising a wide array of clients, the firm not only upholds the highest standards of legal practice but also drives innovation within the field. Its core mission extends to the broader community through a dedicated effort to democratize legal information, championing the principle that an educated public is essential for a just and thriving society.
