A significant fire erupted early Friday morning at the Greiner Assistec factory located within the Las Américas Industrial Park in Apodaca, Nuevo León, causing considerable alarm among local residents. Amidst thick plumes of black smoke rising high above the factory, authorities quickly mobilized emergency response teams to manage the situation.
The incident was reported shortly before 8:30 AM, leading to the swift arrival of the Nuevo León Fire Department and Civil Protection agents from surrounding municipalities including Guadalupe and Monterrey. Eyewitness accounts described intense flames engulfing parts of the facility, which is reportedly involved in plastic manufacturing.
Within minutes of the fire outbreak, approximately 102 employees were evacuated as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the situation. While there were reports of some individuals feeling overwhelmed, with at least three women treated for anxiety, there have been no confirmed injuries related to the fire. Emergency services have made it clear, though, this is still a developing story and they remain on high alert.
According to Alejandro Zúñiga, the operational director of the Nuevo León firefighters, the fire completely destroyed the Greiner factory and significantly affected neighboring facilities, such as ITW Global Safety. Zúñiga noted, “The first company was practically totally collapsed, and the other was also compromised,” emphasizing the considerable challenge posed by the materials stored within these plants.
Local reports indicate the situation has not been fully brought under control, with authorities advising residents of nearby neighborhoods to remain vigilant and stay clear of the area. The dense smoke billowing from the scene has been reported visible from various points around the Metropolitan Monterrey area. This calamity prompted the closure of major access routes, including the Boulevard Julián Treviño Elizondo, impacting local traffic.
On social media, videos and images documenting the fire circulated widely, showing the dramatic scene and prompting concern from the community. Protective measures were put in place almost immediately after the fire was detected. Local officials are currently coordinating efforts, ensuring timely updates are relayed to the public.
Mayor César Garza Arredondo confirmed, “We are maintaining communication with residents of nearby neighborhoods through community channels,” indicating the municipal government’s commitment to keeping the public informed and safe. The mayor also mentioned the deployment of extensive resources, including six fire units and seven water trucks, to efficiently combat the blaze.
Fire services are employing various strategies to quell the flames from multiple sides, but Zúñiga stressed the need for caution due to the volatile materials involved. “There is significant environmental damage potential here, and we are closely managing the situation on the ground,” he said.
Residents of Apodaca and those living close to the affected area are understandably worried about the potential for harm, not only from the fire itself but also concerning air quality as the smoke disperses. Authorities are expected to conduct evaluations once the fire is under control to assess both the environmental impact and any structural damages.
This fire incident adds to the recent spate of industrial fires reported across Mexico, creating calls for stricter safety practices and regulations to prevent future occurrences. The quick evacuation of workers and the timely response by emergency services are being underscored as key factors preventing potential casualties.
Stay tuned as authorities prepare to release detailed reports on the cause and consequences of the fire at Las Américas Industrial Park. Firefighters are optimistic about controlling the fire, but the threat remains until investigations can be completed.
The outbreak of this fire has raised questions about safety standards within industrial complexes and prompted calls for review, as local officials stress the importance of having stringent safety measures to protect workers and nearby communities.