Fireworks are often dazzling displays lighting up the sky during New Year’s celebrations. Yet, this year, they also sparked troubling increases in fire incidents across several regions, with experts sounding alarms about public safety.
According to Jorge Luis Gallardo Alvarez, head of the State Civil Protection Coordination (CEPC), there was a staggering 35% rise in fire incidents recorded during the transition from December 31 to January 1, compared to previous periods. Between these two pivotal dates, high activity ensued, with emergency services responding to 77 reports, the majority of which involved fire-related incidents stemming from fireworks usage.
Gallardo Alvarez noted, "Unfortunately, they were provoked,” referring to the rampant misuse of pyrotechnics this festive season. Out of the incidents attended, 61 qualified as actual fires, including: 33 caused by dry grass, 16 at vacant lots, and additional reports involving tree fires and wildfires. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported amid the chaos, but significant material damages were incurred.
Further complicity arose elsewhere, as the municipal emergency units reported similar surges. For example, Tonantzin Fernández Díaz, the mayor of San Pedro Cholula, revealed, "Only between New Year’s Eve and the early hours of January 1, there were at least nine fires caused by improper use of fireworks as many residents mishandled them.” The mayor underscored the city’s firefighting efforts, stating, “Fortunately, all fires were extinguished without serious harm.”
The situation highlighted the dangers surrounding common celebratory practices, as party-goers’ negligence led to heightened risks for themselves and their surroundings. Across multiple jurisdictions, local authorities struggled to contain the fallout from celebratory fireworks, which appeared to contribute to numerous unforeseen incidents past midnight.
The narrative took another twist with reports from the metropolitan fire department, which documented over 70 distinct fire events linked to firecrackers and pyrotechnics over the New Year celebrations. Of these, several incidents occurred on the outskirts of Villa de Pozos and Soledad de Graciano Sánchez, places most commonly affected by safety negligence.
Manuela García Cazares, the head of the State Attorney General's Office (FGE), announced investigations are underway to determine if any of the fires were caused intentionally. She stated, "We would have to wait for the firefighters’ reports to ascertain if the fires were accidental or deliberate. If they prove intentional, it could constitute a serious offense." This contention implies heightened scrutiny on how fireworks are handled and enforced during celebratory periods.
The coordinated response during the festive season involved local emergency units, the Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross), and regional medical response services managing the majority of emergency calls related to health injuries. Despite the turmoil, healthcare services managed roughly 13 medical attention reports, though the specific causes for these were not detailed.
The incidents brought attention to community safety preparedness and the need for citizens to adopt safer practices around fireworks. Fireworks are often seen as harmless fun but can be dangerous when not managed responsibly. The increase this year has prompted calls for stricter safety measures, educational initiatives, and community outreach, aiming to minimize risks associated with fireworks.
The surge of fires during the New Year festivities echoes a longstanding concern. While the thrill of fireworks contributes to cultural celebration, the associated risks remind communities of the need for vigilance each time they light the sky.
Moving forward, residents are encouraged to attend public displays rather than lighting personal aerial fireworks, prioritizing safety and communal well-being during future holiday celebrations. Only through togetherness and responsibility can we continue to enjoy these beautiful traditions without experiencing unnecessary tragedies.