A significant fire erupted early Friday morning at the Greiner Assistec factory, located within the Las Américas Industrial Park in Apodaca, Nuevo León. The fire broke out around 8:26 AM, triggering immediate emergency responses from local authorities.
Emergency teams from Protección Civil and Bomberos Nuevo León rushed to the scene as the blaze, fueled by burning resins and plastics, posed serious risks to those nearby. A total of 102 individuals were evacuated from the industrial park as precautionary measures were taken to prevent potential exposure to toxic fumes.
According to Alejandro Zúñiga, Director of Bomberos Nuevo León, the fire caused significant structural damage. “Es un incendio que se registra específicamente en el interior del parque industrial Las Américas en el municipio de Apodaca, Nuevo León. Se compromete de manera total una empresa con razón social de Greiner y una segunda empresa, ITW Global Safety,” he explained. Zúñiga highlighted the difficulty of controlling the situation due to the volatile materials involved.
The initial response involved closing off Huinalá Avenue, leading to traffic chaos as motorists were diverted away from the area. Two women at the scene required medical attention due to anxiety and asthma attacks, but thankfully, no severe injuries have been reported. Authorities continue to monitor the fire's progression, which remains uncontrolled as of the latest updates.
With conditions deteriorated by the type of materials burning, Zúñiga noted, “No está controlada la situación, se están llevando a cabo diferentes tipos de estrategias. La primera empresa prácticamente ya colapsó en su totalidad...estamos haciendo lo posible para evitar que avance el fuego, pero la situación es difícil.”
Residents were urged to avoid the vicinity entirely and heed the advice of local officials. Schools were also advised to monitor the situation, particularly as low temperatures have previously led to absences due to health concerns.
The ecological impact of the fire is under scrutiny, with concerns raised about harmful emissions from the burning plastics. Environmental health experts are emphasizing the need for rapid response and coordinated efforts to minimize damage not only to property but also to the surrounding community.
Throughout the emergency response, local authorities have communicated updates to the public via official channels, reiterates the importance of public safety and compliance with safety protocols as fire crews work tirelessly to contain the situation.
Despite extensive efforts, the situation remains precarious at the Apodaca Industrial Park. The teams continue working with various strategies to combat the blaze, prioritizing the safety of the community. More information will be released as it becomes available about the cause of the fire, the extent of the damage, and any potential safety measures for residents.