On Sunday, April 20, 2025, a fire erupted in a transformer at the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) substation located in Colonia Aviación, Torreón, leading to a significant power outage affecting numerous neighborhoods in the northeast of the city. The incident, which was reported around 5:40 PM through the emergency 911 system, prompted an immediate response from local emergency services.
Firefighters and Civil Protection officials swiftly mobilized to the scene, arriving with two fire engines, two water tankers, four trucks, and a total of 12 personnel. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The emergency response teams worked diligently to control the flames, which were extinguished by approximately 7 PM.
The fire's cause has yet to be officially confirmed by the CFE, although preliminary assessments suggest that overheating of one of the transformers may have triggered the blaze. As firefighters battled the fire, CFE workers took precautionary measures to cut off the power supply to prevent further damage.
In the aftermath of the fire, a wide range of neighborhoods experienced power outages, with reports indicating that the affected areas stretched from Villa Florida in the north to La Joya in the east. Residents in neighborhoods such as Nueva California, Aviación, Las Etnias, La Noria, Villa California, Las Lomas, Satélite, Arboledas, Nuevo Torreón, Francisco Villa, Valle Verde, and Fidel Velázquez reported being without electricity for over two hours.
In addition to the power outage, residents also experienced disruptions to internet services and traffic light failures on major thoroughfares, including Bulevar Diagonal Reforma, Calzada Ramón Méndez, and Bulevar Revolución. This compounded the difficulties faced by residents navigating the city during the outage.
By around 9:30 PM, the CFE announced that power had been restored to the affected neighborhoods, alleviating some of the frustrations felt by residents. The local Civil Protection Coordination of La Laguna confirmed that approximately 30 neighborhoods had been impacted by the outage.
As the situation unfolded, the director of Civil Protection and Firefighters in Torreón, Jorge Luis Juárez Llanas, emphasized the importance of swift action in mitigating the emergency. He noted that while the fire was alarming, especially with the large column of smoke that rose from the substation, the prompt response from emergency services played a crucial role in controlling the situation.
"We are grateful that there were no injuries reported, and our teams were able to manage the fire effectively," Juárez Llanas remarked. The incident served as a reminder of the vulnerabilities in urban infrastructure and the critical role of emergency services in safeguarding the community.
While the CFE has begun the process of restoring services, they have not provided a detailed timeline for when all services will be fully operational. As residents returned to their routines, many took to social media to express their concerns and frustrations over the outage.
Local authorities are continuing to monitor the area to prevent any further incidents related to the damaged substation. The rapid response and coordination between local agencies highlight the importance of preparedness in managing emergencies.
In the wake of this incident, discussions surrounding infrastructure safety and the reliability of essential services are likely to gain traction among local officials and community members alike. With the growing population in Torreón, ensuring that such incidents are minimized in the future will be essential for maintaining public safety and trust.
This incident not only disrupted daily life for many residents but also raised questions about the robustness of the city's electrical infrastructure. As Torreón continues to grow, the need for reliable energy sources and effective emergency response systems becomes increasingly critical.
As the community reflects on this event, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of urban services and the importance of preparedness in the face of unforeseen challenges. The cooperation of local authorities and the resilience of the community will be key factors in navigating future emergencies.
