On December 18, 2024, the beloved seafood restaurant La 20 was utterly destroyed by fire in Culiacán, Sinaloa. The early morning blaze, reported around 3:00 AM, quickly engulfed the two-story establishment, located on Boulevard Pedro Infante near the Millenium bus station, much to the dismay of local residents.
Witnesses reported seeing massive flames shooting from the building, which was primarily constructed of wood. This material not only contributed to the rapid spread of the fire but also posed significant challenges for the firefighters who arrived on the scene. According to Bomberos Culiacán, "...aunque su intervención fue eficaz, no se pudo evitar que el local quedara reducido a cenizas" ("...although their intervention was effective, they could not prevent the local from being reduced to ashes").
Firefighters battled the flames for over two hours, attempting to control the situation and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby businesses. Fortunately, the incident occurred at a time when the restaurant was closed, eliminating the risk of injuries among customers or staff. No injuries were reported, but the financial loss has been estimated at thousands of pesos.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Local authorities are exploring several hypotheses, including the possibility of vandalism or technical failures such as short circuits. "Las causas del incendio son desconocidas..." stated Felicitos Trujilo, correspondent for Radio Fórmula, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the incident.
This fire marks another tragic event for the community, following another recent fire at Ranch Roll, another restaurant, indicating possible links to the violent climate currently plaguing the region. Just weeks before this incident, various businesses and homes have been targeted with violence, raising concerns about public safety and security.
Local media reported on the growing fear among business owners and residents alike due to the recent wave of arson and violent incidents. The recent uptick in such occurrences correlates with conflicts between armed factions like Los Chapitos and La Mayiza, part of Sinaloa's notorious organized crime network. "Este incidente se suma al registrado en la mañana del 28 de noviembre...", which implies the frequency and severity of these violent acts highlights the urgent need for community awareness and safety measures.
La 20 was known for its seafood offerings, serving the public daily, and their recent posts on social media showcased the restaurant's popular dishes. Now, the closure of such establishments exacerbates the economic impact felt through the region.
Residents of Culiacán are left to grapple with another loss as they navigate the aftermath of the fire and the broader climate of insecurity. Local businesses are closing their doors not just due to physical damage but also because of fear and uncertainty about their safety.
While the investigation continues and the community mourns this local landmark, the story of La 20 serves as both a tragic reminder of the potential dangers present and the resilience of the people of Culiacán as they seek to rebuild and restore their community.
