A recent fire and rescue report regarding Palma's old prison states that it presents "a level of danger incompatible with safe occupation, both for residents and for emergency response teams". "There is a serious risk of entrapment."
This is a report the town hall is pointing to in its efforts to evict the homeless people who live at the old prison. The fire risk, the report explains, "has increased dramatically due to the change in use: mattresses, wood, plastic, furniture, remains of bonfires, accumulated clothing, waste, butane and propane bottles; these are common in the makeshift quarters of those who live there". It refers to fires for cooking and for warmth, in order to burn waste and those caused by short circuits.
The structure of the building is an issue in itself. "It was designed to prevent people from escaping, which greatly hinders evacuation in case of fire. Occupants can become trapped. Furthermore, firefighters have no way to access the building from the outside to rescue victims and, therefore, have no way to save them. Or if they do, this is by putting their own safety at risk."
Earlier this week, municipal workers removed some three tonnes of rubbish from the prison, where there is a permanent police control at the main entrance. People are no longer able to enter. The homes of former prison officers and cells have been sealed off. The numbers of occupants are coming down, though the Platform of People Affected by Mortgages, which has been seeking to help the homeless at the prison, insists they have no alternative accommodation.
On Wednesday evening, meanwhile, there was another fire. It was swiftly dealt with by Palma firefighters.