On March 4, 2025, Nuevo León, Mexico, experienced significant fire outbreaks across several municipalities, particularly Santa Catarina and García, prompting the evacuation of workers and overwhelming emergency services.
The fires, believed to have originated from strong winds and potential burning debris, rapidly spread throughout the region, with 80 employees of ADS Mexicana evacuated as safety measures. The incident was reported around 14:40 hours at kilometer 1 of the Carretera a García and Hacienda Santa María, where the flames approached nearby industrial properties, including the well-known Vitro plant.
According to Protección Civil director Érick Cavazos, the alarming blaze at ADS Mexicana began from underlying pastures. "Protección Civil de Nuevo León se encuentra en un incendio de baldío afuera de la empresa ADS Mexicana donde se evacuan a 80 personas del lugar," Cavazos stated, highlighting the urgency and scope of the situation.
Emergency responders worked diligently to control the fire, facing strong winds measuring over 60 km/h, which complicated efforts. By 15:30 hours, significant resources were deployed as teams attempted to manage multiple active incidents. Alejandro Zúñiga, director of Bomberos Nuevo León, reported at least 50 fires spread across the area, many of which were already out of control. “Empezó en una zona baldía y corrió rápidamente a un corralón de autos y estamos trabajando de la mano con una brigada que nos está ayudando mucho,” Zúñiga elaborated on the chaotic conditions.
Reports indicated extreme conditions with winds stirring up dust and debris, leading to additional fires extending to other vulnerable areas, including residential neighborhoods and industrial backlots. The Fire Department noted they handled 88 emergencies by noon, with at least 37 classified as fires, ranging from vacant lots to small structures.
With visibility hampered due to heavy smoke, response teams had to navigate nearby thoroughfares carefully. An intense column of smoke was reported over key roads like Avenida Luis Donaldo Colosio, leading to traffic advisories and rerouting of local transit. Residents expressed heightened levels of concern with news of the raging flames, fearing the loss of homes and property.
Throughout the day, the state’s emergency services maintained efforts across different sectors, including Apodaca and Escobedo, where multiple incidents were reported simultaneously. Workers and residents of the affected zones had to remain on high alert, with evacuation protocols activated as conditions remained unpredictable.
Social media platforms became the channel for sharing footage of the infernos, with locals posting videos of the thick black smoke rising alarmingly, as concerns for public safety were echoed across various platforms. Zúñiga emphasized the need for corporations and industries to activate their local assistance committees, aiming to curb the dangerous fires through awareness and preventive measures.
By early evening, though some fires were brought under control, others persisted, prompting continuous alerts from Protección Civil. Due to the significant damage to some industrial parks, discussions surrounding emergency protocols and safety revisions were underway.
The Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE) announced blackouts affecting over 141,000 customers connected to their services due to the damage from intense winds, causing rising operational challenges for emergency response teams. They confirmed around 42% of those affected had their services restored by the evening.
Officials from various safety bodies appealed to the community to stay informed through official channels as they expected more incidents could arise amid the prevailing climatic conditions. With firefighting efforts still active, the focus remained on public safety and minimizing damage to residential and industrial properties as well as preserving emergency resources.
Reports of structural damage and downed power lines peppered the day’s emergencies, with residents implored to follow safety guidelines and remain indoors when possible.
Authorities have indicated strong collaboration between local fire departments and municipal emergency services, recognizing the urgency of addressing the current state of emergencies throughout Nuevo León.
The series of significant fires across Nuevo León marks one of the most pressing safety challenges for the state, as residents and officials remain vigilant, especially during the volatile spring season.