Since then, and for a number of years, the city of Ponce built new homes on this street and then drew lots to see which of its firemen would be the lucky owners of these free new properties.

It started in a military munition depot, located just three blocks from the now also historic Parque de Bombas firehouse, yet the firefighters were told not to fight the fire.

[8] Although they were initially in danger of being punished for insubordination, the people of Ponce considered them heroes and there was an enormous public outcry when they were jailed for disobedience.

[10] The houses, the street and its surrounding areas were restored in 1991 under mayor Rafael Cordero Santiago as part of the city's efforts to "rescue" its history.

[11] In gratitude for their work, every 25 January the municipality of Ponce places a wreath of flowers and performs other activities to commemorate the daring labor of these heroes during the fateful "El Polvorin" fire.

[12] The city also has a marble obelisk prominently displayed on its main square, Plaza Federico Degetau, to honor the memory of the heroes of "El Polvorin".