Why fire trucks were deployed to BTS's Peru concert venue... The three scorching days in Lima [K-EYES]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Fire trucks dispatched under the blazing sun... A look at the three-day BTS Lima concerts

As the first Peru concerts by the group BTS (BTS, RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook) have concluded, attention is turning to local fans who guarded the front of the venue under the blazing sun, and to the city of Lima, which even deployed fire trucks for their benefit.

BTS held concerts for its world tour "Arirang" at Estadio San Marcos in Lima, Peru, on the 7th, 9th, and 10th (local time), wrapping up its Peru schedule. All three shows sold out, drawing approximately 151,500 spectators over the three days.

Peruvian media outlet RPP reported on the 10th that firefighters were spraying water on BTS fans, known as ARMY, around the San Marcos stadium in Lima. The 10th was the day of BTS's final concert in Lima. According to Peruvian news agency Infobae, the highest temperature in Lima that day reached 28 degrees Celsius. Fans prepared for the heat by creating makeshift shade or purchasing drinks. However, on the second day of concerts, the 9th, cases of dehydration and dizziness occurred as fans waited for long periods to enter the venue early.

In response, Peru's volunteer fire brigade stepped in. Firefighters sprayed water from hoses onto fans waiting behind metal fences to cool them down. The city of Lima stated, "We are grateful for the valuable support of the fire brigade, which worked closely with the city of Lima to help plan event safety."

Local media captured more than just the heat. On the 7th, when the first concert took place, queues stretching over 1 kilometer formed toward the stadium entrance. Some fans spent the night around the venue before the show to secure good seats. Local outlet El Comercio also reported on small-scale vendors offering food, makeup, and hairstyling services among the fans waiting for entry.

Lima Mayor Renato Reguierdo also took direct action. Mayor Reguierdo appeared on Peruvian broadcaster RPP and revealed that approximately 1,000 police officers and about 1,000 city staff were deployed for traffic management, cleaning, and safety control for each concert. He also noted that 20 tons of trash were collected after just the first show.

Vendors even appeared who sold their spots in the waiting lines for money. As congestion increased, the city of Lima moved up the entry time for the final concert to 2 p.m. Mayor Reguierdo said, "We will open the stadium at 2 p.m. today." In response to fan requests, 25 portable toilets were also installed around the venue. After the concerts ended, approximately 80 free buses transported fans.

The heat could not dampen the fans' enthusiasm. Analí, a 17-year-old fan who attended the concert on the 9th, said, "I came from Huancavelica to see BTS. I love them with all my heart (Vengo desde Huancavelica para ver a BTS. Los amo con todo mi corazón)."

On the 10th, when the final concert took place, fans continued exchanging 'freebies' such as handmade keychains, headbands, and small llama dolls under a bridge near the venue. Belén, a student who wore traditional Peruvian attire adorned with the BTS logo and decorations from the traditional southern Peruvian dance "Diablada," said, "BTS helped me during the difficult times of the pandemic (Me ayudó en los difíciles momentos de la pandemia)."

A father who came from Cusco brought an Andean traditional hat called a "chullo" to share with fans, smiling and saying, "Jin is wearing this fashion (Jin está con esta moda)." Fans also distributed flyers for a venue event dedicated to Jimin, whose birthday falls on the 13th.

Meanwhile, after RM appealed that crowds gathering around the hotel where BTS was staying were preventing members and staff from getting proper sleep and causing inconvenience to other guests, local fans urged respect for privacy and rest. Peruvian media outlet RPP also reported on the crowds around the hotel and the fans' requests.

Reactions empathizing with RM's message continued on the overseas fan community Reddit as well. One user pointed out that not only the members but also other guests staying at the same hotel were experiencing discomfort due to noise. Another user expressed regret that Peruvian fans had previously asked local media to protect BTS's privacy, but their request was not properly heeded. On the other hand, opinions emerged stating that one should not assume everyone gathered in front of the hotel is an ARMY fan. It was explained that, given the nature of the local tourist area, general visitors and people who came out of curiosity could also be mixed in.

BTS will continue its "Arirang" tour in Santiago, Chile, on the 14th and from the 16th to the 17th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original