The Peruvian capital has awoken to an extensive toxic cloud of black smoke billowing out of a burning warehouse full of tyres and fuel, raising fears for public health.
Huge fuel explosions ignited by the blaze injured five firefighters and authorities say dozens of people have been treated for respiratory problems at health centres in Lima.
Peru's environment ministry said it could take several days for the smoke to clear.
"The smoke contains carbon dioxide... and elements that are carcinogenic, causing an immediate impact on health, particularly among people with respiratory problems," said Arturo Alfaro, director of the non-governmental group Viva.
The blaze broke out early on Tuesday in a four storey warehouse owned by Technimotors, which sells motorcycles, tyres, motor oil and auto parts.
The structure was still burning on Wednesday morning as firefighters tried to douse the flames from outside the building.
Fire chief Mario Nunez said the warehouse was "totally filled with tyres, oil, and all kinds of flammable material".
The intense heat in the interior of the building caused some lateral walls to collapse, and threatened to bring down the rest of the structure, said Nunez.
Residents of Lima's populous La Victoria district were forced to leave their homes because of the heavy pollution.
Angry residents demanded to know how the warehouse was allowed to operate in their neighbourhood.
Huge columns of black smoke from the fire mixed with the fog that normally rises from the Pacific at this time of year, covering the city in a dense, dark cloud.
Blown by sea winds, the cloud settled over densely populated areas in the hills surrounding the city.
Authorities urged residents to cover their faces with masks or dampened handkerchiefs and to wash their eyes.
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