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9. Two centuries of history down in flames! (this picture courtesy Eduardo Tropia)

I took a few pictures the morning after. The local Bombeiros (firemen), reinforced by units from surrounding cities, fought the fire throughout the night, but although it was quickly contained the situation was clearly hopeless. Throughout the day smoke billowed from the smouldering fire. The 19th century house, located by Praça Tiradentes in the very heart of historic Ouro Preto, was completely demolished.

10. The charred remains of total destruction

Throughout Brazil sadness quickly turned into anger. How could a World Heritage building was so carelessly lost? Soon reports surfaced that of the six fire hydrants in the city, only two were functioning. Mayor Marisa Xavier was unable to explain why, saying only that upgrades had been scheduled but not yet carried out. This loss was not the first for Ouro Preto. In 2001, a part of another historic building had burned down as well. The true cause of that fire was never revealed.

11. Shock and disbelief, soon translated into anger

Despite recent calls for improvements, none of the wooden buildings were equipped with sprinklers, and a city official admitted that routine fire inspections were only done superficially, without any direct measurements or calculations.

12. Another view from Praça Tiradentes

It is a small miracle (and a tribute to the Bombeiros) that the surrounding buildings were spared from destruction. Perhaps Ouro Preto has learned a bitter lesson. Already the public is united in demanding changes to the system. All electrical wiring must be reviewed and replaced if necessary. Brazilian President "Lula" Da Silva vowed to make resources available for the site's reconstruction. The historical significance of the building though, is sadly lost forever. There are talks now that a five-star hotel should be built in its place.